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NOTE: Probate does not begin when the will is written and/or signed. Probate does NOT begin until after the testator is dead, after which the executor introduces the will in county court, the executor is qualified as such, the will is sworn to (proved) as legitimate, and finally recorded in the minutes of the court — this is the date of probate and is at times found written at the end of a will in a county will book, e.g., "Spring Term 1820" or "November Term 1820", etc. The earliest date a researcher finds in an estate settlement folder (in State Archives) should be used as probate date if a court minute entry showing date of the will's introduction into court cannot be found. After the will's date of introduction to the court and subsequent acceptance as legitimate with a qualified executor, the probate process begins which puts the will's provisions in force to the benefit of all heirs thereto. - SCE

The dates below are the dates the wills were written. All will transcriptions below are each separated by a gray bar, and the sources for all wills are specified beneath each title.

Will of Archibald McNeill, April 1741, Princess Anne County, Virginia
Source: Virginia State Archives

[This Archibald McNeill might be a relative of Neill McNeill of Jobes Branch, Hoke County, NC, father of "Sailor Hector" McNeill and "Shoemaker John" McNeill. Likely a coincidence, he mentions that his brother Neill had a son Hector.]

In the Name of God Amen I Archibald McNeil of the County of Princefs Anne in Virginia being weak in body but of sound mind and memory Do make this my last will and Testament in manner and form following hereby revoking all former wills by me made

Imps: I Recommend my Soul to Almight God who gave it me hopeing for a Joyfull Resurrection thro' the Merits of Jesus Christ

Item It is my will and desire And I hereby appoint that all my Estate both Real and personal in Virginia and in Scotland be sold for Ready money and put out to Intrest in Scotland on Good Security According to this will by the discretion and Oversight of my friend Daniel Mcneil of Collonsay, Alexander Campbell Merchant in Norfolk Virginia, Archibald Campbel of Barnacarie, Neil Mcniel my Brother, Ronald Campbell Tacksman of Balichlavan and Duggal McTavish of Duncardie or the Major Part of them then living whom I request to be Overseers & Trustees of my Children herein aftermentioned.

Item It is my will & desire In case my welbeloved wife Elizabeth Mcneil shall return to Britain to live Then in that Case I give bequeath & devise unto her my said welbeloved wife Elizabeth during all the days of her Natural life one Yearly Annuity Intrest or Annual rent of the Just and Equal half of all my Estate aforesaid And further it's my will and desire [that] my said welbeloved wife Elizabeth shall keep maintain Cloath & Educate my Children Malcolm and Alexander Mcneils in Scotland with the Consent of their Overseer and Trustees above named or the Major Part of them then living that then so long she shall have receive & Enjoy the Annual rent or Intrest of all my Estate Aforesaid

Item In Case my welbeloved wife Elizabeth Mcneeil shall choose to remain and live in Virginia or any other part of America In that Case I give & bequeath unto her and her heirs for Ever One hundred pounds Virginia currency to be raised and paid out of the first and readiest of my Estate and also two feather beds and furniture hereto belonging with her Trunk and best Chest and the Service of the two maid Servants Bettie and Florie Mcneills during the time of their Indentures, And that in full of all her right to my Estate real & personal

Item I give bequeath and devise unto my Eldest Son Malcolm Mcneil and his heirs forever two thirds parts (the same in three parts to be divided) of all the Remainder of my Estate Real and personal both in Virginia and Scotland not herein before given and devised; And the other Remaining third part of my said Estate I give and bequeath unto my Son Alexander Mcneil to him and his heirs for ever But in Case both my said sons should die in their minority before their respective ages of twenty one years and unmarried then In that Case I give and bequeath their parts aforesaid of my said Estate unto Hector Mcneill Second son of my Brother Neil Mcneil to him and his heirs for ever, And I hereby nominate and Constitute John Taylor, Alexander Campbell and Andrew Sprouill [Were these the same Sprouils who lived in Cumberland County and were original owners of Sprouls Ferry, later owned by and named McNeills Ferry?] Merchants in Norfolk Virginia Executors of this my will aforesaid so far as concerns that part of my Estate that shall be in Virginia at the time of my demise And further I nominate and appoint the beforementioned Daniel Mcneill, Archibald Campbell, Neill Mcneil, Ronald Campbell and Duggall McTavish to be Trustees & Overseers of my said Children and for their use to ______ will Receive and Manage All my Estate aforesaid given to them my said Sons According to this my will In Witnefs whereof I hae hereunto Sett my hand and Seal this Thirteenth day of April One Thousand and Seven hundred and forty one

Signed published & Declared to be the
last will & Testament of the said Archibald }xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxArchd McNeille {Seal}
Mcneil by him in presence of us
William Nimmon JP
Archibald McColl witnefs

Norfolk County Va a Court held the 7th of July 1741 The above will was presented in Court by Andrew Sprowl Ex herein proved who made oath thereto ___ __ ____ and being proved by Wm Nimmon and ordered to be Recorded & a probate granted [signature of clerk unreadable]

Will of Isabella McAuslan, widow of John McAuslan, 18 November 1748, New Hanover County
Wills, New Hanover County, NC, Volume C, 1747-1858

[In this will below, who are the two Margaret McNeills and Anabella McNeill? And are there really two Margaret McNeills being named here or just one? Grissella Campbell McNeill and her husband Neill Dhu McNeill (a leader of the Argyll Colony) had a son Duncan McNeill who was born in 1728. Their last child, Negalena, was born in 1740. Surely other children were born between those years. It appears that Margaret McNeill, named with her mother and sister in one item, are mother and two daughters. Flora McAllister was Grissela's daughter who married Col. Alexander McAllister in 1742. Who is the sister-in-law named Margaret McNeill in this will? Further careful comparison between the original will and the clerk's copy in the will books shows that Elizabeth McKowil was miscopied as 'Elizabeth McNeil'.]

North Carolina In the name of God Amen. I, Isabella McAuslan of the town of Wilmington in the Province aforesaid, widow, Executrix of the last will and Testament of John McAuslan my husband deceased, knowing the uncertainty of this life, do make this my last will and testament in manner following.
First. I recommend my soul unto the hands of Almighty God that gave it; and whatsoever it hath pleased Almightly God to Blefs me with since my said husbands decease, I give, devise and bequeath in the following manner_
I give and bequeath unto Grifsell McNeil, a shift and some caps, a blue quilted petticoat_
I give and bequeath unto Hector McNeill son of Grifsell McNeill, [This is "Bluff Hector" McNeill, and it's interesting that Isabella doesn't state that he was the "son of Neill McNeill" but rather "son of Grifsell McNeill". Neill must be dead at this point; he certainly is dead in 1749. However, in context, Isabella MAusland is on her death bed at this moment and there is an urgency in recording of this will, so, understandably, the identities of the beneficiaries listed are not very altogether clear.] one shirt and one stock [A stock was to be worn by a gentleman around the shirt collar.]
I give and bequeath unto Flora McAulister [This is Flora McNeill McAllister, Bluff Hector's sister who married Col. Alexander McAllister in 1742. She died in 1755.] one blue silk gown and a silk petticoat and a woman's velvet cap, a pair of silk shoes;
I give and bequeath unto Grifsell McNeil, Flora McCallister & Margaret McNeil, my bed clothes to be equally divided amongst them [I believe this is a mother and two of her daughters.]
I give and bequeath to Margaret McNeil, my Sister in Law my best plaid gown [Was this Margaret McNeill Isabella's husband's sister who married a McNeill, or was she Isabella's brother's wife, Isabella having been a McNeill herself before marriage?]
I give to Elizabeth McKowil [The original will shows this surname to be MacKowil, or something similar, but the clerk of court's version in the will books is 'McNeil'. The clerk's version was misread and is incorrect.] one calemnco gown, one blanket, one shift and a check apron _
I give unto Grifsell McNeill Flora McAulister a coverlid, a pair of blankets, a pair of sheets and two pillow cases_
I give and bequeath unto Anabella McNeil [And, who is this lady?] a pair of silver Shoe buckles, a Silver girdle buckle a pair of Shoe buttons and Gold ring in the hands of William Watters_
And further, it is my will that John Sampson esq, may take into his pofsefsion all papers, books and accounts belonging unto my deceased husband John McAuslan, and to have the administration thereof_
And I do hereby nominate and appoint Magnus Cowan and John Robeson to be executors of this my last will and Testament, hereby revoking all other former wills by me heretofore made. I witnefs whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the 18th day of November 1748 _

North Carolina New Hanover County } Personally appeared before me Rufus Marsden one of his Majesty's Justices afigned to keep the peace for the said county, Richard Fellice, who being sworn on the Holy Evangelists, saith, that at the request of Isabella McAuslan ( then lying sick on her bed ) did put into writing her will as above mentioned, and the same was read unto her, which she declared to be and contain her last will, and that at the same time she was of sound mind and memory, but soon after, was taken so ill that she could not sign, seal and publish the said will; and Donald McKeithen, Taylor, Anabell McVicar & Margaret Doughty being also sworn on the Holy Evangelists saith the same as Richard Fellice and further declareth that the said Isabella McAuslan died the 19th day of November 1748 about the hours of twelve and one in the morning of the day after and further saith not _
Sworn before me the
21st day of Novr 1748 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxRichard Fellice
Rufus Marsden xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxDonald McKeithen
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxAnabell her X mark McVicar
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxMary Doughty

Will of Dugald McKiechen (McKeithan), March 1750, Bladen County
Source: Abstract from The North Carolina Historical and Genealogical Register, July. 1900, Vol. 1, No. 3

[I will post the original when I find it at the Secretary of State's office.]

"McKiechen, Dugald, Bladen, March, 1750. Wife Mary, child esse, brother James and Duncan, sisters Nancy and Sarah McKeichen father Donald McK, Mary McKiechen daughter of Donald, the daughter of Alex McKiechen, son-in-law Robert Hillyard son of John of Northampton County, N.C. Test, Hector McNeill, Alex McAlester, Angus (x) Shaw."

Will of Phillip Wilkeson, 24 February 1757, Bladen County
Source: Abstract from The North Carolina Historical and Genealogical Register, Oct. 1900, Vol. 1, No. 4

[I will post the original when I find it at the Secretary of State's office.]

"Wilkeson, Phillip, Bladen, Feb'y 24th, 1757. July Court 1758. Sons Richard and Thomas, my five children by former wife, sons John and William, daughters Elizabeth, Margaret and Mary, wife Martha Exx. Test, Thomas Platt."

Will of "Bluff Hector" McNeill, 31 March 1761, Cumberland County
Source: North Carolina Department of Archives and History

read original: pg1 pg2 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 | Estate record

In the name of God Amen, I Hector McNeill of the County of Cumberland and province of North Carolina being of sound Memory and Recollection tho weak in body, do recommend my Soul to almightly God who gave it and my Body to the Earth to Buried in as Desent a Manner as my Exrs herein after named shall think proper.

First I hereby appoint all my just and Lawfull Debts to be Dischared and paid off by said Executors as there is Money in the House viz seventy five pounds for that purpose. And I appoint and constitute Duncan McNeill Alexr McAlester and Ferquard Campbell my Executors to carry the intent and Meaning of this my Last will and testament revoking and making Void all other Wills by me made / in to Execution.

I leave and bequeath unto my Wife Mary [Mary McAlester] one third of all the plantation whereon I live called the Bluff during her Life, the two Work Horses namely the Stallion and Colter And also the negro Wench called Rose, one Bay Horse Saddle and Bridle, all household furniture, and all the Cattle on this plantation being the Bluff having Escaped the Distemper [Malcolm Fowler recorded in his book "They Passed This Way" that a great disease swept the region in 1759 killing a great many settlers and much livestock—perhaps two concurrent diseases?] and the increase for the time to come of said Wench to be Equally Divided among the Children

I leave and bequeath to my Eldest son Neill McNeill [According to a letter in the McAllister Papers collection at the NC Dept. of Archives and History, this Neill died in 1773 at the age of 21.] all the Remainder of the Land on the Lower side of the Creek with the benefits of the Grifs Mill, he allowing timber to be cut thereon to suply the Saw Mill, and also the Negro fellow named Dick

I leave and bequeath unto my son John [In the same letter that recorded his brother Neill's death in 1773, John was said to have been about 16 years old, so he was born about 1757 or '58. He was known as "Bluff John" or "John McNeill of the Bluff," etc., in deeds. Married Ann "Nancy" McKeithan.] my Land adjoining Silver Run Creek on the upper side with one half of the Saw Mill as also the Mullato fellow named Bob, and all moveables to be divided among the children Equally,

I leave and bequeath one half of the Saw Mill to Joseph Jordan he having Built the same so long as this Frame lasts then the whole right to be vested in my Son John McNeill

I leave and bequeath to my Daughter Flora [Married first to Duncan Ochiltree, then to a Draughn.] two negroe children named Chloe and Jenny, And in case my Wife shall have or bring forth another Child Male or Female I leave and bequeath to him or her a Negroe Child named Will _

I leave and bequeath to my brother Duncan McNeill one of my Executors herein Named, my Estate on Taylors Hole and do appoint my Executor to give him a Deed for the same he having the Tittle in his pofsefsion, the one half being thereof to be by him made over unto my Brother Archibald McNeill and I do hereby appoint my Executor to Carry in Execution all other matters not now mentioned. And I do hereby appoint my said Executor Duncan McNeill to have the Sole Care and Management of my son John and Estate as also the Government of him till of age [Most researchers show that John was born in 1758. Records show that in 1785 John had to sue his uncle Duncan in order to get the inheritance due him; there was some personal conflict there.]. Signed sealed and Firmly Executed by me this 31 day of March 1761.

In the presence of us
Thos ArmstrongxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxHector McNeill {seal}
Alexr Buchanan
Isaiah Parvisol

North Carolina
Cumberland County October Court 1768
Then was the Execution of this Last Will and Testament of Hector McNeill Deceased proved by the oath of Alexander Buchanan & ordered to be filed And at same time Duncan McNeill Alexander McAlester qualified as Executors of said will agreeable to law & it was ordered they should have Letters Testamentary
Witnefs
Thos Rutherford C.C.

Will of "Little Neill" McNeill, 1762, Cumberland County
Source: North Carolina Department of Archives and History

read original: pg1 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2, 3

[This is "Little Neill" McNeill who with his wife Catherine donated the land for the first Presbyterian "River Meeting House" on the west side of the Cape Fear River. This log building was moved to the east side of the river in the 1780s and eventually became Bluff Presbyterian Church. "Little Neill" and his wife appear to have had no children.]

In the name of God Amen, I Neill McNeill of Cumberland County and Province of North Carolina Being very sick and weak in Body But of Perfect mind and memory Thanks Be given to God Therefore Caling to mind the mortality of My Body Knowing that it is apointed for all men once to Die I Therefor Recomend My Soul to God that gave it and my Body to The Earth to Be Buried in Christon like and Desent Maner at the Desision of my Executors it is My will and I Desier that my Just Debts and Funeral Chardges first Be paid and fully satisfied and as for the Remainder of my worley Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to Bles me with I Give and Dispose In maner and form as followeth Viz.

Item I Bequeath and Give unto My Beloved wife Katherin McNeill [This Katherine McNeill is believed to have remarried after Neills death to Alexander Gregory of Cumberland County.] The house and plantation whereon I now Dwel During her Life and all my house hold furniture for ever as also all my Plantation Tules with all my stock of Catle hoges horses C____ Shop and Likewais one Negro wench caled Jen and One child named Jen with their Issue -

Item I bequeth and Give unto John McNeill son of Hector McNeill Esquier ["Bluff Hector" McNeill and his son John McNeill of the Bluff. John was only about four years old at the writing of this will.] one hundred acres of Land Lying and Being in Cumberland County on the loer side of Tranthams Creek -

Item I bequeth and Give unto My Brother John McNeills Daughter Esbell McNeill [The John McNeill referred to here is unknown; he is not "John Skeroblin" McNeill.] and in case of her Death to her Sister Marrion one Mulatone Girl named Cloue and The plantation whereon I now dwel after my wifes Death and I Do hereby Constitute and apoint my wife Hector McNeill Esqr my hole and sole Execrs to This my Last will and Testament March 22 1762
Signed sealed and Delivered Neill McNeill
in presence of
Robert Smith
Alexr McAlester

North Carolina Cumberland County August Court 1766
Then was the Execution of this Will in Open Court in Due form of Law proved by the Oath of Robert Smith & ordered to be Recorded - Richard Grove CC
Recorded in the Minutes of said Court Richard Grove

Will of Neill McNeill, 1764, Cumberland County
Source: North Carolina Department of Archives and History

read original: pg1 pg2 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2, 3

[This nuncupative, undated will was produced in court in May of 1764 and probated Dec of 1764. I suspect that this Neill McNeill was a brother to Daniel McNeill of Taynish whose titled, elder brother in Scotland, Hector, had a son named Roger who ascended to the family title, married in 1743, and died in Scotland. The Neill of this will also had a son Roger who died in the Spring of 1789 in Cumberland County. DNA evidence from Don McNeill of Paduka, Kentucky, a descendant of this Neill McNeill's son Roger, has shown Don to be a descendant of the Taynish McNeills.]

In the name of God Amen, I Neill McNeill being in a low state of health but of sound & disposing mind of Memory do constitute & appoint this my last will & testament in manner & form following, in the first place I resine my soul to Almighty God & my body to the earth from whence it came to be enter'd at the discration of my Executor, & the worldly Estate that God has been pleased to grant me in the following maner _

In primus, I desire that my Estate continue in the manner it now is until the family seperate & upon the marriage of either of my three Daughters Catharine Margaret & Flora that they have then a sixth part of the stock of cattle, & a Bed & furniture at each of their sd Marriages

Item I devise for my son Roger McNeill at the Discration of the Executors of this will, The Plantation below where I now live & the Back land joining to it [this land was Neill's 1746 grant on Tranthams Creek in the vicinity of Roger's Meeting House], & in case of their not approving of his behaviour the sd lands to be for my son Henry & his Heirs & likewise in the same manner I give my son Roger one half of the slave I am pofsef'd of ___ [Cumberland County court minutes show that Roger died between early March and late April 1789 and that he was named an insolvent—unable to pay his debts or bankrupt—for the year 1788. Two of his sons were named as orphans in the minutes of 1789: Henry who was fourteen that year and Neill who was "near" twelve. Another son, Hector, is not named until 1808 in a deed disposing of Roger's lands once Hector had become of legal age. Roger's wife was not named in the minutes and her name is unknown.]

Item It is my desire that [I] may layout sufficient of the money I am now pofses'd of to purchase a negro fellow such as the Exr shall think proper & [ye remainder?] to be Equally divided among the six [children]
___________________________

Item I give to Harry the plantation I live on & 300 acres that I bought of Hugh Brown [This Harry is the Henry stated above. The deed for these 300 acres cannot be located. Perhaps they were purchased before 1754 when Cumberland County was formed and the deed was lost in Bladen County courthouse fires.]

first - Turquill McNeill Archd McNeill John & Malcom McNeill My Executors [How are these four McNeill men related?]
___________________________

he desired that his Daughter Mary his Daughter Ann & his son Roger should be cut out of his Estate, as his two sd Daughters had already had their share & his son Roger on account of his wildness only, still observing the discrationary power of his Exs in that Respect

[Second page following is an explanation by the writer as to why Neill's will is unfinished.]

North Carolina Cumberland County
The within writing on two pages of paper is produced in Court as & for the last will & testament of Neil MacNeil of the county aforesaid deceased, & Ferquard Campbell & Walter Gibson esquires being duly sworn deposeth & saith, that the said Neil MacNeil requested the said Walter Gibson to put his will in writing & that the said within writing was taken from the mouth of the said Neil MacNeil as & for his last will & testament, & that the Neil MacNeil was at the time of making the said will of sound & perfect memory & understanding, but that he died before the same could be perfected.
Sworn to in open court Walter Gibson
16th May 1764 Ferqd Campbell

Richard Grove Cl
Recorded in the Minutes of said Ct Richard Grove Cl

Will of Alexander McKay, 18 April 1769, Cumberland County
Source: North Carolina Department of Archives and History

read original: pg1 pg2 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2, 3

[This Alexander McKay was an Argyll colonist, and believed to have been a son of Archibald McKay who also came with the colony. Deeds on this family are being gathered, studied and transcribed.]

In the name of God Amen, I Alexander McKay of the County of Cumberland and province of North Carolina planter being of good and sound memory and Recolection and calling to mind the Uncertainty of this World and that its appointed once for all men to Die - I recommend my soule unto the hands of almighty god who gave it and as to my Body I order to commited to the Dust from whence it came in a Decent maner as my Executors here in after named shall appoint and touching what worldly Estate where of I am pofsefsed I will Devise Bequeath the same in the maner following
That is to say I appoint all my just debts to be by my Executors herein after named paid of and Discharged and the Remainder of my Estate both Real and personal I will the plantation whereon I know Live I Leave to my loving wife Cathrin McKay and a Negro boy caled Boson During her life Time and Equal Share of my personal Estate and after her Desece to my son Alexander [This Alexander appears to be dead in July 1794 per an estate settlement for an Alexander McKay who died at that time.] and a pice of Land of one hundred and forty acres joining to the said plantation and the sd Alexander is to have his part of the personal Estate
Item I give to my son John Two hundred & fourteen acres on Tranthams Creek which I had of George Robert [This deed can't be found so probably dates to before Cumberland was formed from Bladen in 1754.] & a Negro Boy Boson after his Mothers Deth and all the working tooles only the plantation tooles to be divided among heirs & the rest of his Brothers when of age [These sons were under the age of 16 at the writing of this will, 1769.] & also I give him a share of my personal Estate
I give to my son Archibald Two hundred Acres of Land Lying Between the Branches of Tranthams Creek & Lords Creek which I had of Archibald Beaton [Archibald Bethune] & to have an equal part of the perishable Estate
I give to my son Neill one hundred acres of Land on the Lower Side of Rockfish which I had of David Duncan & an equal share of the personal Estate
I give to my Daughters Margaret & Ann [Margaret was born about 1754 and married Daniel McNeill about 1770; the couple's first child, Rosanna, was born in 1772. Richmond County deeds show the couple owning land that county in the 1770s (both Daniel and Margaret signed their deeds there) but they are not found in Richmond's 1784 census. By 1803 they appear to have been living in Robeson County where the couple's wills are recorded. They had several children, most of whom moved to Marion District, SC. Margaret's sister Ann married late in life to Daniel Hinson Hair and had no children.] one hundred & sixty acres of Land on the Wt Side of Cape Fear joining Land of Mathew Smilie & Daniel Clarks Lands [This land was patented in April 1740.] & an Equal Share of my perfonal Estate the plow horfes only excepted
And in Case any of the above named Children should Die before they com of age then ther part of the Lands to go to the Eldest son then living and the Rest of his or her share to be Divided among the Rest of the Children
Lastly I apoint Ferquard Campbell & John Armstrong of the County of Cumberland & province of North Carolina to act as to them shal seem proper in Witnefs hereof I have Set my hand and Sale this 18th day of April One Thousand seven hundred & Sixty Nine
Signed & Saled published & Declared Alexander McKay {Seal}
to be the Last Will of Alexr McKay
Revoking all others heretofore made } North Carolina Cumberland County} October Court 1769
in presence of us
Jno Armstrong
Anna Cole
Cathrine -- McNeill her mark

Will of John Patterson, 2 June 1769, Cumberland County
Source: North Carolina Department of Archives and History

read original: pg1 pg2 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2

In the name of God Amen, I John Patterson of Cumberland County & province of North Carolina being very sick and weak in body but in perfect mind and memory thanks be given to God for it Caling to my mind the mortality of my Body and knowing that it is appointed for all men and women once to Die do make and ordain this my last will and Testament that is to say principally & first of all I give and Recomend my Soul to the hand of almighty God that give it and my Body I Recomend to the earth to be Buried in a Decent Christian manner at the Descretion of my Executors nothing Doubting but at the General Resurrection I shall Receive the same again by the mighty power of God and as Tuching such worldly Estate wherewith it has pleased God to Blefs me in this life I give Dismifs and Dispose of the same in the following manner and form, Viz. first my oldest Daughter Effy Patterson [married a McLain/McLean] to her I give and bequeath the sum of Seventy pounds proclamation money which sum shall be made out of my Real Estate before any other Division is made with that part of my stock of Cattle that was mentioned her afterwards all the debts due by me to others to be paid out of the Best of my Stock by Archibald McDuffie & John Black who I appoint and ordain to be Sole Executors of this my last will & Testement, and to my Dearly Beloved wife Catharin [Catherine McPherson, daughter of John McPherson] I give and Bequeath as by law will be alowed her the Thirds of my Lands & Tenements During her lifetime with her Third of all my other Effects besides, likewise the Remaining Two Thirds to be Equally Divided between my son Daniel Patterson & my other Three Daughters Viz mary [I believe this Mary Patterson was the first wife of Neill Little of Robeson County] marian [married either John or old Matthew Watson of Robeson County] & flora [born 1758; married Daniel McPhaul, Sr. of McPhauls Mill in today's Hoke County], Excepting my wearing Cloaths Gun and watch which shall be for the only use of sd. Daniel, signed sealed published and pronounced and Delivered in prefents of

this 2d June 1769
Dan'l McGillxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxJohn Patterson {seal}
Niell Clark

North Carolina
Cumberland County July Court 1769

Then was the Execution of this Will in Open Court in due form of Law proved by the oath of Daniel McGill & order to be Recorded & at the same time Archibald McDuffie & John Black Exceutors in said will mentioned Qualified as Executors of sd will agreeable to law & it was ordered that they should have Letters Testamentary
Witnefs
Thos Rutherford C.C.

Will and Power of Attorney of Captain John MacNeill, Esq., 1771, Edinburgh, Scotland
Source: England & Wales, Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, via Ancestry.com

read original: pg1 | Related Deeds: 1

I John Mac Neill of the City and County of Edinburgh in North Britain Captain Do hereby make my last Will and Testament as follows that is Whereas Dougal McNeil [An Argyll colonist who died intestate in Wilmington in 1741; his estate record is recorded in New Hanover County records.] sometime of Losit in the County of Argyll North Britain thereafter at his estate of Port Neill in the County of Cumberland near the River Cape Fair North Carolina in America my Brother German died without Ifsue and that I am his only Brother German and so have good and undoubted right to his whole Estate Real and Personal Therefore I do hereby give devise and bequeath to Hector Mac Neil late Clerk in the Provost Marshall’s Office in St Georges Town in the Island of Granada my Son the whole Real and Personal Estate of the said deceased Dougal Mac Neil in the said Province of North Carolina or elsewhere to which I as his next in blood survived or have right to by Law Equity or otherways with all and singular the Buildings Negroes Cattle and Stock if any be with all the other Appurtenances to the said Estate belonging and all other Estate Real and Personal whatsoever and whatsoever belonging to me at my Death To hold to him and his Heirs and Afsigns for ever and in fee simple And I Constitute the said Hector Mac Neill my Sole and only Executor with power also to the said Hector Mac Neil my Son whom I hereby authorize to call Hector Mac Neill of the said County of Cumberland near the River Cape Fair North Carolina in America Sadler [If he is referring to "Bluff Hector" McNeill, he may not have been aware that Hector of the Bluff had died the year before, in 1768, well before this document was written. Was "Bluff Hector" a well-known saddler? He is referred to in the McAllister Papers at the State Archives of North Carolina as a saddler.] to Account for his intromissions with and Management or Disposal of the said Real and Personal Estate of the said deceased Dougal Mac Neil my Brother German for my use and behoof in consequence of a Power of Attorney granted by me to him on or about the first day of April in the year seventeen hundred and sixty Nine the said Power of Attorney to recall and every other thing thereabout or relative to the said Hector Mac Neill Sadler his Management Disposal of or intromissions with the said Real and Personal Estates to do what he shall think just and necefsary at my Decease And I Declare this to be my last Will but without Prejudice neverthelefs to a certain Disposition and Afsignation extended by me in favour of the said Hector Mac Neil my Son of my Real and Personal Estate in Scotland dated the __________ day of ___________ in the said Year seventeen hundred and sixty nine which with the Codicil annexed hereto I hereby confirm in all things and allow the said Hector Mac Neil my Son to have both the said Disposition and Afsignation and this my last Will or either of them according to the true intent and meaning of the same D____ the one being always without prejudice of the other and I consort to the Registration hereof in the Books of any competent Court therein to remain for Preservation and Constitute __________[long blank in text here]________________ my Procurators for that purpose In Witnefs whereof I have Signed this Will wrote on Stampt paper by John Mason Clerk to William Mac Ewan Writer in Edinr and have hereunto and to another Duplicate hereof of the like ___ and Date set my Hand and Seal at Edinburgh the twenty first day of March in the eleventh year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George the third by the Grace of God of Great Britain France and Ireland King Defender of the Faith and so forth and in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy one Before these Witnefses the said William Mac Ewan and John Mason and Robert Mac Glashan Surgeon in Edinburgh

_ John McNeill _

Signed Sealed Published and Declared by the Testator John Mac Neil as and for his last Will and Testament in the Presence of us who at his request and in his presence and in the Presence of each of us have hereunto subscribed our Names as Witnefses
_ Robt McGlashan Witnefs _ Will: Mac Ewan Witnefs _ John Mason Witnefs _.
On the twenty fourth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy three [The will's probate date; he likely died shortly before.] Administration with the will annexed of all and singular the Goods Chattels and Credits of John Mac Neill Esquire late of the City of Edinburgh in North Britain and Captain in the forty second Regiment of Foot deceased was granted to George Wilson Esquire the lawful Attorney of Hector Mac Neill the Son of the said deceased and sole Executor named in the said Will for the use and benefit of the said Executor now residing at the said City of Edinburgh he having been first sworn only to Administor.

Will of Dr. Archibald McNeill, 23 June 1772, Dorchester County, SC
Source: South Carolina Department of Archives and History

read original: pg1 pg2 pg3 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2

[This Dr. Archibald McNeill was the son of Daniel McNeill of Taynish of the Argyll Colony, proved by bequests to his sisters below.]

In the Name of God Amen I Archibald McNeill of St. George's Parish in the province of South Carolina, being in good health of Body and of sound and disposing mind and memory, Do make and do publish this my Last Will and Testament, hereby revoking and making void all former wills by me at any time made heretofore _ And first and principally I committ my Soul into the hands of my Creator who gave it and my Body to the Earth to be intered ( if I die in this province ) in the burying ground which I have inclosed in the Church yard of St. Georges Parish Dorchester, at the discretion of my Executors therein after named _ And as to my worldly Estate I dispose of the same of followeth _ Imprimis I give and bequeath to my Dear Wife Margaret McNeill [his second wife, Margaret Postell, daughter of Elijah Postell] in lieu of Dower and in full satisfaction of Thirds she might otherwise Claim, the sum of Five Thousand Pounds current money of the Province aforesaid, and also the Negroes Harriett and her Issue, the Negroes Jack & Sam, also all my household furniture ( except some perticular articles hereafter to be otherwise disposed of ) I also give and bequeath to my said dear Wife all my Plate, amy Chariot and horses, and my Will is that my said dear Wife shall be entitled to dwell in the house I now live in during her widowhood rent free, the rent to be paid out of my Estate or she may chuse any other house to live in while she continues my widow, the rent not excluding Three Hundred and fifty pounds Current money pr annum which rent shall be paid in that case out of my Estate, without my Deduction from her part of it and the reason why I leave my said Dear Wife no larger share of my whole Estate ( she being in every respect deserving a good one ) is that I make no doubt but her Father will either before Death or after it give her a Genteel Fortune, he being very able to do so and having promised her as much, and he has not yet given her more than about the sum of Five Thousand pounds curren__ [torn] besides the wench Harriett, but promised to give more as [torn] him therefore is he should give any more toward her fortune bef [torn] Death, my Will is that she shall have the whole of [torn] sums exclusive of the sum and other bequ [torn] being always my intention to leave her ra [torn] recieve by her than lefs, and this I think is much as I could do consistent with Justice to my Child, untill my Estate shall be more improved _ Item, I give and bequeath to each of my Sisters, Jean Dubois, Elizt. McNeill, and Isabella McAllester all of North Carolina the sum of Fifty pounds Sterling, to be paid to each of them one year after my Decease _ Item, I desire that my nephew Daniel McNeill who is at present with me [Dr. Daniel McNeill of Oak Forest plantation in Bladen County, son of William and Elizabeth (née McNeill) McNeill, was the father of Anna Matilda McNeill, "Whistler's Mother"] may be Educated cloathed and maintained at the Expence of my Estate and when fit, I desire he may if he chuses it be bound apprentice to some good Practition[er]s of Physic & when his apprenticeship is expired I give him one hundred pounds Sterling to set him up in Practice or if he shall so chuse to enable him to spend some term at the College of Edinburgh before he begins to practice _ Item, I give my said nephew all my wearing apparel, and all my books on Physic or surgery _ Item I give and Bequeath to my dear Friend Doctor Alexander Fothringham of Dorchester all my philosophical and Mathematical Instruments, except my pair of Globes which I give to my foresaid Nephew Daniel McNeill and desire he my learn the use of them _ Item, I give to Mary Fothringham Daughter of Doc. Alexander Fothringham the Gold watch which was my late Dear wifes, and which Mrs. Fothringham has to keep, The diamond ring which was given me by my sd ever dear late wife together with her wedding ring, I desire may be kept, and at a proper time given to my Dear son Arch'd Fothringham McNeill [This appears to have been the well-heeled "Conl. Archibald F. Macneill" who died in Wilmington, NC, in 1823. He may have decided after his father's death to go live among his aunt Jean DuBois' family in that city.] _ The diamond ring given me by my present Dear Wife in case I survive her, I desire may be given to my brother in Law William Postell, otherwise to herself _ I also give to my dear sister Jean Dubois my own picture and my two dear childrens pictures which are now at Mr. Theus's _ I give to my Father in Law Mr. Elijah Postell the Picture of my wife which is also at Theus's, if he should survive her and will be pleased to accept of it _ but if he should not chuse to keep it, I desire it may be offer'd, to her uncle Mr. James Postell [died 1773 aged 51; buried in Old St. George's Anglican Church cemetery, Dorchester County, SC] _ I beg my worthy and good friends John Izard and Williams Sanders Esquires will chuse each of them Forty Volume of my Books as a Testimony of my regard and esteem_ after which I give to Doc'r Alexander Fothringham all my other books of which he has not already a copy _ But there are some Books, which having given to my Wife I do not reckon amongst the number of mine, viz., The spectators Tattlers, Guardians, Two vol's of Fordyce's Sermons, and a few others_ Item, I give and bequeath to Mr James Sanders my writing table which I bought of the Rev'd Mr. Serjeant, All the Rest Residue and Remainder of my Estate, both real and person not mentioned above or within, I give bequeath and Devise to my dear and only son Archibald Fothringham McNeill and to his heirs forever, but as I am now going on a voyage with my wife and son and as it is pofsible that we may all die before our return to this province my will in that case is that failing of my wife and child a aforesaid, I give and bequeath to each of Doc'r Alex'r Fothringhams children, Alexander, mary, and Isabella, Susanna, the sum of Three hundred pounds sterling, and to my half sister Margaret Mowat ( now or late wife of the Rev'd Mr. Mowat Minister in Gigha Northbritton the sum of Two hundred pounds sterling or if she is dead, then I give it as above to her heirs_ And to my cousin the Rev'd Archibald Campbell now or late of Archdale North Britain [So, was the first wife Dr. Archibald's father's, "Squire Daniel" McNeill's, a Campbell?] I give failing my wife and child as aforesaid the like sum of two hundred sterling, or in case of his Death to my Dear Cousin his Wife, or to her children if she should be dead_ And failing my wife and child as aforesaid I give bequeath and dispose all the rest of my Estate real and personal ( except the several small articles mentioned above for Doc. Fothringham and the other Gentlemen & ) to my nephew Daniel McNeill to his heirs, and failing either my wife or child, then I give in that case one half of the others share to the survivor of them, and the other half to my sisters above mentioned, to be divided amongst my said sisters share and share alike, and I appoint Doc'r Alexander Fothringham John Izard Esqr Elijah Postell Esqr and Wm Sanders Esqr Executors of this my will which I have wrote in a hurry and Without Council and therefore hope the intention will be regarded __

Signed, Sealed, published Archd McNeill {Seal}
and declared by the above named Arc'd
McNeill as his last will & Testament
in the Presence of us who at his
request & in his presence have subscribed
our names as witnefs hereunto this 23rd
day June 1772 __
Robert Ray
Robert Grant [This will was probated in 1774.]
Thom's Cooper

Will of Archibald McNeill, 17 June 1777, Cumberland County
Source: North Carolina Department of Archives and History

read original: pg1 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2

[This document is small, faded and hard to read. Another copy in the Cumberland County will books is a bit different but easier to read and that is what is recorded below. "Archibald Bahn" (aka "Scribbling Archie") McNeill was the father of this young Archibald McNeill, his son about whom little is known. It's dated 1777 and young Archibald appears to fear that he will die before he can return to "this county" to enjoy his property; the simple conclusion is that he is off to war in 1777. As he states in his will, his father bought land for him from Francis Jones that was around Sprouls Ferry on the east side of Cape Fear River; this transaction (one of two from Francis Jones) took place in 1771 and the deed shows the grantee to have been Archibald McNeill. Here, young Archibald is leaving this property to his sister Margaret, to whom their father "Archibald Bahn" in his will of 1801 bequeathed 200 acres below Sprouls Ferry (in her lifetime), honoring to some degree young Archibald's bequest. Archibald is not mentioned in his father's 1801 will and he is perhaps dead by that time. Was he killed in the Revolution? There are no records official or otherwise to attribute to young Archibald between the date of the will and 1801, so it appears he may have died around the time of this will or was killed in action. The back of this will shows it was not probated until 1801 and was likely probated at the same time as the will of his father, "Archibald Bahn". Most histories listing the children of Archibald Bahn and his wife Jenny Bhan McNeill show erroneously that Archibald's birth year was 1777; a letter (in transcription form by George Stephenson) found in the McAllister Papers collection at the NC State Archives dated 1768 states his mother Jenny Bhan was not quite 40 that year, so, in 1777, it is highly unlikely she gave birth to him at age 49. "Jennie Bhan" was legendary, but not that legendary.]

North Carolina Cumberland County In the name of God Amen I Archibald McNeill of sd province have in view to depart this Province and knowing I have once to die - therefore should this be the case with me that I should not live to return to this Province to enjoy the property that I do own in this country I dispose of as follows - That is to say
For the many friendly services & the affection I bear to my sister Margret I give and bequeath to her and her heirs all that tract of land purchased for me by my father [His father was "Archibald Bahn" McNeill, aka "Scribbling Archie"] from Francis Jones joining on the upper side of the lands known by Sproules ferry together with one hundred acres joining on the lower side of the said Sprouls land purchase by myself also any thing else that is mine if not sold before I leve this county I give and bequeath to her and her heirs forever- on those terms only that I should not return or live to Enjoy it myself- This is my last will and testament in Witnefs there of I have hear unto set my hand and seal this 17th June one thousand seven hundred and seventy Seven-
Signed in presence of us-
D McKethan Archd McNeill {Seal}
John Shaw

[on back]
Arch'd McNeill
Sept Term 1801
Recorded in Book A Folio 97-
Test Robinson Mumford CC

Copy of the Will of Duncan Munro, 1 December 1777, Bladen County
Source: Thomas David Smith McDowell Papers, collection #460; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

In the name of God Amen, I Duncan Munro of Bladen County North Carolina & Brown Marsh being Very Sick and weak in body but of sound Mind and Memory do make and Ordain this my Last Will and Testament Viz

First I Give and Bequeath to my dearly beloved Wife the third part of my Estate and One Cow Over and Above her part to be raised and levied out of my estate together with my debts.

Also I give to my well beloved son Angus Monro two parts of my Estate after Reduction of the above Cow of the above Mentioned Estate, And I do hereby Utterly disallow and revoke and disanull all and every other former Testament Wills Legacies Bequests and Executors by me made Ratifying and Confirming this and no other to be my Last will and Testament in Witness whereby I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal this first day of December in the Year of our lord One thousand Seven hundred and Seventy Seven.

Signed xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxDuncan Munro {Seal}

Signed Sealed published pronounced
published & Delivered by the said
Duncan Monro as his last will &
Testament in the presence of us
who in his presence & in the presence
of Each Other have hereto set our names

Donald McCollum Witness
Neil Curry WitnessxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxA Copy P John White

Will of Archibald "Bluff Archy" McNeill, 8 November 1778, Cumberland County
Source: North Carolina Department of Archives and History

read original: pg1 pg2 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2, 3, 4

[Recently I have received from Donald McNeill a copy of a history written and researched over decades by Judith Nesbit, a descendant of "Bluff Archy" and much of it is new to me. I am studying her work and comparing it to my own research that is based on work my family received from Judith's mother decades ago. Judith's work and mine diverge in many ways yet her work is more complete than mine in many ways due to her direct lineage from him. I will be updating this page and information about "Laird Archy." Judith found in the Cumberland County court minutes that Bluff Archy's wife Barbara was a widow in 1779.
    I have seen statements online that the Archibald McNeill of this will, known as "Bluff Archy," "Laird Archy" or "Gentleman Archy"—even "Lord Archibald," a total fabrication—was with the Argyll Colony. Research by his descendants has shown that Bluff Archy was NOT with the Argyll Colony. His descendants in the upper Robeson region have long known and retold that he immigrated after the Battle of Culloden Moor in Scotland which took place some six years after the Argyll Colony had landed. He may even have participated in the battle or witnessed its horrific aftermath, or both. Allen McCaskill, in his article of 1901 and great-grandson of "Bluff Archy," said the Scotsman lived like a hermit on Stewart's Creek near Bennett's Mill for some time after his arrival in the Cape Fear region, and then met and married Barbara Baker (One of their sons, Daniel, was born in 1750). Some people believe the nicknames "Bluff" and "Laird" were part of Archy's given name; they should know that those are nicknames which his contemporaries used to differentiate him from the various other Archibald McNeills in the region (there were three Archibald McNeills in the Cape Fear region in 1748). "Laird" comes from some entitlement that he may have received had he stayed in Scotland; indeed, people in the Cape Fear region wondered why he left Scotland for that very reason. Farther south in South Carolina, there was a "Laird Archie" McNeill who was a British Military officer and gentleman who was certainly not "Bluff Archy." There is even a Dr. Archibald McNeill of the old Dorchester County area of S.C. who has been determined by professional genealogists to have been the son of Daniel McNeill of Taynish of the Argyll Colony by his second wife. There is also an Archibald McNeill of Georgetown, S.C.—likely "Archie Ghar" McNeill—who sold his land on the south side of Big Rockfish to James McNeill of Rockfish Creek, a neighbor of the "Bluff Archy" family on the south side of the creek. On the will below, "Bluff Archy" signed his name with his mark,"A," which is seen in a number of Cumberland deeds presumably from "Bluff Archy" McNeill, alone or co-signed with his wife Barbara who used a "B" for her signature. However, as far as signatures go, it has to be noted here that "Scribbling Archie" McNeill signed his full name on his will but in deeds tended to sign his name with an "A.".]

In the name of God Amen, The Eighth Day of November 1778 I Archibald McNeill of Cumberland County and Province of North Carolina being very Sick and Weak in Body but of perfect Mind and Memory Thanks be given unto 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 into the Hands of Almightly God that gave it and my Body I recommend to the Earth to be buried in decent Christian Burial at the Discretion of my Executors. And as touching such Worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to blefs me in this Life I give, dimise and dispose of the same in the following Manner and Form
Imprimis I give and bequeath to Barbarah my beloved Wife [Barbara née Baker McNeill] one Negro boy James and one Winch named Bett during her life, and likewise her Share of other Moveables. I bequeath to my well beloved Son Hector [According to Allan McCaskill writing in 1901, this is his great-uncle old Colonel Hector McNeill, killed at the Battle at Lindley Mill on Cain Creek in 1781. I believe Hector, the son of "Bluff Archie," had a will dated 1778 in Bladen County, just below.] one Negro Winch named Frank and one Negro Child Named Nann. Item I give and bequeath to my well beloved Son Daniel Negro Winch Named Hannah and one Negro Child Named Sall, Item I give and bequeath to my well beloved son Malcolm one Negro Winch Named Judee; I give and bequeath to my well beloved Son Neill one Negro named London; I give and bequeath to my beloved Son John one Negro boy Named Dublin [Dublin alive 1821 in the estate record of Margaret McNeill, John's niece by his brother Malcolm McNeill]; I give and bequeath to my well beloved daughter Ann McNeill one Negro boy Isaac Item I give and bequeath to my well beloved daughter Sarah McNeill boy named David Item I give and bequeath to my well beloved daughter Margaret McNeill one Negro boy Named Harry, I likewise bequeath to my said son Hector one Negro boy Name'd Billy [this makes three slaves devised to Hector] I likewise Desire that the Negros Mountsrat and Codjo may be sold to the highest bidder and the Money Arising from the Sale and the Money due by Daniel Thomson's Bond may be Equally Divided Among my Sons. I Desire that all my Just Debts may be paid out of the Money Arising from the Sale of the aforesd Negros and the Remainder to be Divided as aforesaid I likewise Desire that my Wife may have the Negro girl Lucee During her Lifetime and after my wife's decease She Shall return to my sons in Manner aforesaid I desire likewise that my Daughters may have out of my Stock of Cattle Thirty head little and Bigg as the Stock Shall be Divided And I likewise desire that Remainder of my Stock may be divided between My Wife and Four Sons Hector Daniel Neill and John; I likewise constitute make ordain and appoint my Wife Barbarah Executrix and my ___ ____ Daniel McNeill Executor of this my last will and testament and I do hereby utterly Disallow revoke all and every other former Testaments Wills Legacies, and Bequests and Executors, by me in any ways before ____ And bequeathed Ratifying and Confirming this and no other, to be my last Will and Testament In Witnefs whereof ____ Set my Hand and Seal the Day and Year Above written
Signed Seald published pronounced                                    hisxx
In presence of us xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxArchibald "A" McNeill {Seal}
Dan McVicar                                                                   mark
Neill McNeill
Daniel McNeill} April Term 1805

Will of Hector McNeill, 6 January 1778, Bladen County
North Carolina Probate Records, Bladen County, NC Wills 1766-1883 Vol. 1, page 574

read original: pg1 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2

[This Hector McNeill is highly likely "Old Colonel Hector McNeill" who was killed at the Battle of Lindley's Mill in 1781. By this will it appears that in 1778 he was living in Bladen County with a wife named Margaret. Neither his wife's name nor his marital status has never been known. I believe this is old Colonel Hector McNeill because of a few telling characteristics of this document. The most interesting part of this will (read the original) is that he is leaving one unnamed slave each to the following three men: Bluff John McNeill, John Johnston and Duncan McNeill. I don't believe this Hector McNeill is "Carver Hector" McNeill who, elderly by 1778, was in fact was also living in Bladen (now northern Robeson) County that year; "Hector, carver" would have been about 60 to 70 years old in 1778 and the will just does not appear to be that of a very old man. Old men tended to begin their wills with statements of about health and mental clarity commingled with a religious preamble. Also, the will devises "household furniture that is now or may be hereafter in our possession..." indicating that the testator expects to live to acquire more of it with his wife. He has land but does not make a detailed division of it. Unfortunately the will lacks a probate date; such a date could be found in Bladen court minute records but they burned in 1800 and 1893. I believe this Hector McNeill is a soldier who has written his will in preparation of fighting in the Revolution for the Crown, and if the Hector was "Old Colonel Hector McNeill" he was indeed killed in September 1781 at the Battle of Cain Creek at Lindley's Mill. One official record exists, a claim by one of his debtors after the Revolutionary War that actually states Old Colonel Hector was of Bladen County; however, by our standards Colonel McNeill himself was not old in 1778, only about 30-35 years old that year. Perhaps the term "old" was used to indicate the first Colonel Hector who was killed and soon replaced by "One-Eyed Hector" McNeill (a different Hector McNeill, son of Archibald Bahn McNeill and wife Jennie Bhan, in the regiment who was nearly the same age). Allan McCaskill claimed in 1901 that old Colonel Hector had been his great-uncle, a son of his great-grandfather "Bluff Archy" McNeill, aka "Gentleman Archy," and Bluff Archy's oldest sons were born around 1750. Bluff Archy, in his will of November 1778, named his son Hector to whom he bequeathed three slaves, Frank, Nann and Billy (Read the entire will to find Billy, the third devised slave). The will of Bluff John McNeill dated 1799 devises two slaves with the names Nan and Bill. The will below is dated several months earlier in January 1778, so, did Hector know that he was to inherit three slaves from his father but did not know which ones and so was unable to name them here, or did he just omit the slaves' names? And what is the relationship, or obligation, of this Hector — whoever he may have been — to the Bluff McNeills that he bequeathed slaves to them? Did they pay for Hector's commission in the British Army? With that in mind, "Bluff Archy" is said to have moved his family over to the Bluff region and was buried there with sons Hector and Neill in the old Bluff cemetery on the west side of the river. The Bluff McNeills were wealthy in their own right with slaves and land in abundance. And WHO was Sorle, Sawney, or Soule, McDaniel of Sandhill?]

In the name of God amen I Hector McNeill of Bladen County and Province of North Carolina being of sound mind and memory blessed be God to this the 6th day of January in the year of our Lord 1778 make and publish this my last Will and Testament in manner following; that is to say, that my body shall be buried in a decent and Christian like manner and that all my debts shall be paid and discharged
first I give and bequeath unto Margaret McNeill my lawful wife one third share on division of all the lands due money negroes cows horses mares hogs the whole stock and the one half of the household furniture that is now or may be here after in our possession to have and to hold the above mentioned share or division to her the said Margaret McNeill and her heirs forever.
2nd I give and bequeath unto my lawful wife Margaret McNeill all my real estate for the only use and benefit the said Margaret McNeill during her lifetime and after her decease to be disposed of in the following manner [The following "real estate" includes three unnamed slaves which could not be sold by his wife Margaret because they were left to her for her lifetime only. Slaves named Nan and Bill(y) are devised by "Bluff Archy" McNeill to his son Hector in his will several months after this will was written; and as Hector here devises a slave to Bluff John McNeill, we find the slaves Nan and Bill in Bluff John's will of 1799. It is possible that in 1778 Nan and Billy were owned by Bluff Archy but were perhaps living and working on son Hector's land until this will? Did Margaret die before 1799?]
3rd I give and bequeath unto Duncan McNeill one negro to him and his heirs forever. [Duncan McNeill of the Bluff, brother of "Bluff Hector."]
4th I give and bequeath to Bluff John McNeill one negro to him and his heirs forever. [son of "Bluff Hector" McNeill.]
5th I give and bequeath unto John Johnston one negro to have and to hold to him and his heirs forever [In the 1774 Bladen tax list in the upper Robeson County area of old Bladen, a John Johnston was living very near a Hector McNeill who was taxed for 3 slaves. By 1786, there were two John Johnstons in Bladen County, probably father and son. A John Johnston who married a Mary McAllister is looking to be the John Johnston of this will; the couple appears to be living Bladen County around the Great Marsh area in 1779 and later.]
6th I give and bequeath unto Lockline Cameron one cow and calf and to his mother Isabella Bowie two cows and calves and I hereby make and ordain my lawful wife Margaret McNeill Duncan McNeill and Soule [Sawley?] McDaniel of Sandhill executors of this my last will and Testament. [Lauc Cameron is listed in the Bladen County tax list/census of 1786. Cameron had land on the south side of Dukemineer's Creek (perhaps also called Hogpen Branch) south of Sandy Grove in Hoke County, all on the south side of Rockfish Creek. In the late 1700s, a Hector McNeill and a John McNeill owned land within a mile of Lauc Cameron at this place. Also a short distance from Cameron was Robert Upton who sold land to a John Johnston who lived on the south side of the Great Marsh in 1779. A John Stewart is living just north of these people on the south edge of Rockfish. Who is Soule McDaniel of Sandhill?]
In witness whereof I the said Hector McNeill have to this my last will and Testament set my hand and seal the day and year above written
Signed sealed and published
And declared by the said                                                                 his
Hector McNeill the testator                                                    Hector    x    McNeill {seal}
as his last will and Testament                                                              mark
In the presence of us who were
Present at the time of signing and
Sealing thereof }
Test     John Stewart Senr
            John Stewart Junr
            Sorle McDaniel

Will of Marrion/Mary Ann/"Ann" (née Johnston) Perkins McPhaul, 26 November 1783, Bladen County
Source:Robeson County Courthouse, Lumberton, NC

read original: pg1 pg2 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

[It has long been said that Marrion (aka "Ann" and "Mary Ann") Perkins was of Indian blood from Virginia; and it's been said also that the McPhaul men descended from her through her daughter "Pretty Polly" were tall, dark with straight black hair. We now know that her maiden name was Johnston, that she was a daughter of Solomon Johnston, Sr. who lived on the south side of Richland Swamp below Red Springs. She married Joshua Perkins whose ancestry is unknown, however he may have been part native American. Bladen tax lists and a Robeson County deed show that Marrion's son, Jordan Perkins, was the grandson of Solomon Johnston, Senior who was living in Cumberland County in 1757 before he removed to the part of old Bladen that's now Robeson. Marrion/Ann Johnston Perkins owned land in Bladen County in 1767, and a Bladen County tax list of 1771 (Archibald McKissack's district, which included "Sailor Hector" and his father Neill McNeill, Cannon Cumbo, James Lowry, Turquill McNeill and John and Hugh McCrainie and others in the McPhauls Mill area) shows "Ann Perkins Taxables Thos. Sweat & her son Jordan Perkins/No. (of taxable persons) 2." It is interesting to note here that only two in Ann's household were considered taxable; if Ann was part American Indian and households containing "mulattoes" usually considered the women taxable, which two in the house were taxable? An earlier Bladen County tax list dated 1769, also McKissick's district, states: "Joshua Perkins & wife & sons George & Isaac/No. (of taxable persons) 5." Bladen County has several surviving deeds showing Ann Perkins and Soloman Johnston together in one deed, as citations and witnesses as well as grantor and grantee. There are no Perkinses in the earlier 1763 Bladen County tax list.]

In the name of God Amen, the 26th day of November 1783 & I Marrion McPhail [McPhaul] widdow to the deceased John McPhail [John McPhaul of McPhaul's Mill; in Cumberland County, while he resided there before crossing the Raft Swamp, John McPhaul's name was also spelled McFall and McFoile.] being not in good health but of good and sound memory thanks be to Almighty God and calling to remembrance the uncertain state of this transitory life and that all flesh must yield to death when it please God to call to make constitute, I declare this my last will and Testament in manner and form following revoking and annulling by these presents all and every Testament or Testaments will and wills heretofore by me made and declared either by words or writing and this to be taken only for my last will and testament and none other and now for the settling of my Estate and such good Cattle on it hath pleased God for ___ my ____ to bestow upon me I do order give and dispose the same in manner and form following that is to say first I leave my share of the whole Estate after my death to my Daughter Mary ["Pretty Molly" Perkins] widdow to the deceased Neill McPhail [McPhaul] and to her heirs by said Neill MacPhail Excepting three dollars one for Cristian [Christian] MacCranie my Daughter and another dollar for Mary Leich my other Daughter [Was this Mary Leich the wife of John Leitch?] and the third for Neill my grandson my son's son [Neill Perkins?]. Likewise my plaid gown to my Daughter Cristian and to Mary my other Daughter Leich's wife a suit of the best of the remainder of Cloths, this I do sign and seal and acknowledge to be my last will and Testament in the presence of

John GilchristxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxMarrion McPhail her X mark{Seal}

Will of Duncan McNeill of the Bluff, 28 September 1788, Cumberland County
Source: North Carolina Department of Archives and History

read original: pg1 pg2 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

In the name of God Amen, I Duncan McNeill of the County of Cumberland and State of North Carolina being of perfect mind and memory Calling mind the Mortality of the Body and Knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die. I therefore Recommend my Soul to god that gave it and my Body to the Earth to be Buried in a Cristian and Decent maner at the Discreation of my Executors. I desire that my Funeral Charges and just Debts be first paid and as for the remainder of my wordly estate Wherewith it was pleased god to Blefs me I give and Dispose in the maner following viz.

I Impower my Executors to sell my Lands or any part of them as they think most Expedient for the Benefit of my Children and give Lawfull Titles for the Same at any time Before my Boys is of age. but Incase the Lands is not sold Before then, I desire that the Whole or whatever remains thereof be Equaly Divided Between them the lower part of the River Survey to James and the Uper part to Duncan, and whatever part of my personal property remains after my Debts is paid I desire to be Equaly Divided Between my Children namely James Duncan Grifsel and Isabell but in cace the lands or any is sold to Discharge my Debts the remaining part of the value of said Land to be Equaly Divided Between James and Duncan Exclusive of their share of the parishable Property above mentioned.

I appoint my Friends John McNeill John & James Campbell my Executors of this my Last Will an Testament revoking all other wills heretofore by me made or signed In Witnefs whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty fifth day of September in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty eight.

Signed sealed by the Sd Duncan McNeill as hisxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxDunMcneill{Seal}
Last Will & Testament in the presence of us
John Campbell
Patrick Munroe
John Hasty

Will of John McPherson, 26 October 1789, Robeson County
Source: Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, NC

read original: pg1 pg2 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

In the name of God Amen, I John McPherson Senr of the County of Robeson and State of North Carolina, Being Weak in Body, But of Perfect Mind and Memory, Do make this my last Will and Testament in Manner and form following, viz.

1st. I give and bequeath to my Grandson Neil McPherson, Son to Danl McPherson, my two Negroes James and Peter

2nd. I give and bequeath to my Grandson Archd McPherson, Son to Danl McPherson, three of my Negroes Dick, Ben, and Cranson, to be theirs and their Heirs for ever, But if either Neil, or Archd die without Issue, I desire that the living may Heir the other's Right of Sd Negroes.

3rd. I likewise give and bequeath to my Grandson Neil McPherson, one Hundred and Sixty Acres of Land at the Juniper and one Hundred Acres of Land, lying at the upper end of the Bear Pond, Joining McBride's Land, it being part of a Survey of 200 Acres, to be His and his Heirs for Ever.

4th. I likewise give and bequeath to my Grandson Archd McPherson, One Hundred Acres, to wit, the Plantation I now live upon, together with one Hundred Acres below me, in two Surveys, and likewise one Hundred above me being the other half of the above 200 Acres, likewise Fifty Acres, lying Between the Bear Pond and the Big Pond and another Fifty lying Between the Bear Pond and the Raft Swamp, to be His and His Heirs for Ever.

I give and bequeath to my Son Alexander McPherson [who lived in Cumberland County on Blounts Creek] one Crown Sterling, of my Estate, after my Dissolution.

I likewise give and bequeath to my Son Daniel McPherson [who lived in Robeson County on Raft Swamp] One Crown Sterling to be paid him out of my Estate after My Dissolution.

I likewise give and Bequeath to my Son in law Lewis Monroe [who died in 1795 while living in Robeson County on Raft Swamp, though his estate settlement was in Cumberland County and he owned lands there.] One Crown Sterling to be paid him out of my Estate after my Dissolution.

I likewise give and Bequeath to my Beloved Wife, My two Negroes Charley and Bettey, and all the Cattle, and moveables that I am now possessed with, and I desire that the Cattle be Divided among my Grand daughters and my daughter Catherine Campbell after our Dissolution, In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and Seal this 26th Day of Octr, in the Year Our Lord 1789.

John McPherson

His Mark

Signed and Sealed in the presence of Us,
Test Neil Smith
Test Daniel Patterson [Old John's grandson by his daughter Catherine McPherson Patterson Campbell]
John McPherson, Jr. [Old John's grandson by his son Alexander McPherson and his wife Emily McGill]

Recorded in Will Book A of Robeson County page 363 pursuant to Order of court May term 1838.

Will of Mary McNeill, 13 July 1790, Robeson County
Source: 1st original from Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, NC and 2nd original in possession of the estate of Ruth McArthur of Wilmington, dec'd

read original: pg1 pg2 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2

[Ruth McArthur of Wilmington, NC, now deceased, shared my belief that the following will is that of Mary Peterson McNeill, widow of "Shoemaker John" McNeill. Ruth and I believed she and I both are descendants of "Shoemaker John" and his wife Mary Peterson McNeill — Ruth being descended through their son Neill McNeill and I through their daughter Marian McNeill McPherson. Ruth found a slightly different version of the following will in the trunk of her McNeill grandmother, and it was written in 1790. Her version is dated two weeks earlier than the version below that I located in the NC state archives, but the two are identical in every other way. Since Ruth is a descendant of the family of the two brothers "Sailor Hector" and "Shoemaker John" McNeill and an earlier copy of the will of Mary McNeill is in her family's possession, the idea is greatly strengthened that Mary McNeill, author of the will below, is Shoemaker John's wife. However, more research is needed.]

In the name of God Amen. I, Mary McNeill of the county of Robeson and State of North Carolina, being weak in body but of perfect mind and memory do make this my last will and testament in manner and from following:

1st I give and bequeath to my beloved son Neill McNeill the House and plantation whereon he now lives [This is Neill McNeill who married a woman named Flora (Riddle?), the couple in this family whom I call 'the lost generation' because their distant descendants forgot them, claiming in the 20th century that the couple's children were the offspring of "Shoemaker John" and Mary Peterson McNeill.] together with the upper part of that tract of land that is now in my possession beginning about 100 yards from the corner that is at the head of the branch above the line and running across the land keeping the same distance from the first line that was run throughout, Excluding the houses that I now live in, and the little orchard; and likewise two, to be his and his heirs forever

2nd I give and bequeath to my beloved son Daniel McNeill [Married Jane McDougald, and were the parents of only two children: Archibald "Archie D." McNeill who married Ann B. "Nancy" McNeill, and Mary McNeill who married Alexander McPhaul.] the house and plantation whereon I now live together with the lower part of the above mentioned tract of land, beginning about one hundred yards above the corner at the head of the Branch [Jobes Branch] as above together with sixty pounds and four half Joannes that Mr. Perry owes me, and likewise Forty three pounds twelve shillings currency that my son Neill McNeill owes, and likewise 47£ 15 that Phil Hodges owes me bearing interest from Dec 1789, to his and his heirs forever [Is this the same Philip Hodges who, with Neil Smith listed below was involved in the Whig revenge of Piney Bottom Massacre?].

3rd I likewise desire that my four negroes, viz, Phebe, Peggy, Betty and Sam, may be equally shared between my two Daughters Janet [or Jennet, declared incompetent and was under guardianship of her brother Neill in 1808] and Catherine to be theirs and their heirs forever, I desire likewise that my bed and bedclothes, the pot wrack and little wheel and chards be left in Marian McPherson’s possession until my children be of age, [Jennet and Catherine likely died unmarried, but there is no further information on them at all.]

4th I give and bequeath to my beloved Daughter Marian McPherson Fifty acres of land lying back of the pond at the house [Marian married Daniel McPherson. This fifty acres was NC grant #406 that Mary entered Feb 1790 and was issued in Dec 1791. Chain carriers on the survey were Neill McNeill, a Buie and a Locklear.] likewise my saddle, looking glass, one pair steel yards, a smoothing iron, likewise my caps and some of my clothes to be hers and her heirs forever, I desire likewise that all my cows horses and sheep and household furniture (except what will be for the present use of the children) to be sold at publick sale, and the value thereof equally divided between Daniel, Janet and Catharine, I desire likewise that whoever of these three dies first, the other two may have equal shares of the property of the deceased and if any of them happen through the good will of providence to be disabled either by sickness or other accidents I desire that the other two will help the one thus disabled with their property I likewise desire that my hogs be equally divided among all my children and lastly I appoint Hector McNeill Sailor, James McNeill of Rockfish, and Neill Smith at the Great Marsh [Is this the same Neill Smith who, with Phil Hodges listed above was involved in the Whig revenge of Piney Bottom Massacre? Neill Smith is listed as a Tory in Bladen County court papers found with the Bladen County tax lists.] to be my whole and sole Executors of this my last will and testament, in witness whereof I have herewith set my hand and seal this 13th Day of July in the year of our Lord 1790. Signed Sealed and acknowledged in presence of us

Hector Mcneal ["Sailor Hector" McNeill]xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxMary X McNeill
Daniel McPherson [Marian McPherson's husband]

Will of Duncan Campbell, 13 April 1790, Robeson County
Source: Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, NC

read original: pg1 pg2 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

[This Duncan Campbell came from the Scots colony of Cumberland County and is the father of the Campbell family that lived in the Burnt Swamp/Philadelphus area of Robeson County, NC in the latter half of the 1700s. Duncan's father may have been Archibald Campbell of the Argyll Colony, but this is pure speculation based on the fact that Duncan's oldest son was named Archibald and the name Archibald ran down through the family. Deeds in Cumberland County show that Duncan bought 100 acres of "Tweedside," Daniel McNeill's estate on the Cape Fear River, before 1754, then a second 50 acres in 1754. Duncan deeded this land as a gift to his grandson John Campbell of the Bridge in 1783. Duncan's original will names his wife, but states her name as "Christian" in the first instance and as "Catherine" in the second instance. An old letter provided by Bradley Buie of Raleigh reveals her maiden name to have been Christian Smith. The letter also shows Duncan and Christian had many more children, mostly daughters, than are listed in the will below. A Daniel Campbell may have been a son, and is associated with Duncan and his family in existing records but no firm connection has been made to the family. Although court minutes for Robeson don't begin until 1793 some researchers have stated the will was probated in 1790; it was not recorded until 1826.]

In the [name] of God Amen, I Duncan Campbell, Planter being in a Weak State of Health and finding my outward Tabernacle fast, to decay but of Perfect and Sound Mind and Memory yet calling to mind the shortnefs of Life and the certainty of Death, do make my Last Will and Testament in Manner and Form following, viz: In the first place I commend my spirit to the Almighty God from whom I received it, and my Body to the Dust from whence it was taken in sure and certain hopes of the resurection a that Last Day. All my Worldly Goods & Effects I will and command to be Distributed as follows, all my Lawfull Debts and Funeral Charges to be discharged as soon as convenient after my Interment, I give and bequeath unto my beloved Spouse Christian, The House wherein I now live with all the Household Furniture, Beds, Bedclothes, and Body Clothes, also one third part of all my Other property whatsoever, such as Horses, Cattle Hogs, Lands, &c. during her lifetime. Unto my Beloved Son Hugh Campbell [Hugh Campbell was living in Chesterfield District, SC in 1802.] I give ___[torn]____ath, the remaining two third parts of all my Lands __[torn]____ , Goods, Chattles and Effects, I also direct, will and command that the the said Hugh Campbell receive and enjoy the third part of my Property that is given and bequeathed unto my beloved Wife Catharine [should say "Christian"], as above, after her Death and not before, I hereby constitute & appoint the foresaid Hugh Campbell my son and my trusty Friend Peter McKellar to be Joint Executors of this my Last Will & Testament and I hereby make Null & Void all other Wills and Testaments whatsoever made and Executed by me preceeding this date _ In witnefs whereof I hereunto set my hand & Seall this thirteenth day of April in the Year of our Lord One thousand Seven hundred and Ninty.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxDC {seal}

Signed Seal'd Pronounced and Declared in Presence of _
Niell McAlpin
Finlay McCorvey [Lived at the bridge he operated on Panther Branch. This branch runs along the north side of Hwy 72 in the Philadelphus area of Robeson County.]

Recorded in book A page 23 July 1826
Neill Buie Clk

Will of Turquill McNeill, 5 February 1792, Robeson County
Source: Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, NC

read original: pg1 pg2 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

[This will was proved in Robeson County court in early April 1801, probably as a result of the death of Turquill's oldest son Laughlin who died intestate at that same time; though they lived very close to one another and may have died of the same disease, I believe Turquill died in 1801. I believe that Turquill McNeill is buried at Philippi cemetery (McCaskills) and that his grave is unmarked. Some of his children are buried there, plus the family of James McNeill of Rockfish. Turquill McNeill had a very close relationship with "Hector, carver" McNeill.]

In the name of God Amen. The fifth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand and seventeen hundred and ninety-two I, Turquill McNeill of the state of North Carolina, Robeson County, Planter being weak in body but of perfect Mind and memory Thanks be to God for the same and calling unto mind the mortality of my body 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 God. And for my body I recommend it to the Earth to be buried in a Christian like and decent manner at the discretion of my dear children and executors which shall be named hereafter not doubting but at the general Resurrection I shall receive the same by the mighty Power of God and as touching such wordly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this life I give devise and dispose of the same in manner and form as followeth namely

In the first place I give bequeath and devise unto my beloved son Lauchlane McNeill [Lauchlan had a son Turquill McNeill who moved with his family to Marion District, South Carolina, with his widowed mother, Flora, around 1805] all the land belong unto me on both side of the Buffaloe Creek including the mill. Also the land upon the East side of Cape Fear River containing one hundred and ten or twenty acres joining Duncan Campbell's Land. I also give and bequeath to the said son Lauchlane a negro girl named Bett, a negro girl named Pleasant, and a negroe boy named James.

I give bequeath and devise unto my beloved son Duncan McNeill ["Long Duncan" McNeill] the tract of land upon Wilkinson Swamp containing 300 acres, one hundred and five acres upon Carver's Creek in Cumberland County and the place where I live at present, only if my beloved spouse shall survive me one half of said shall be her property during her life and after her death the whole to be the property of my Son Duncan containing 350 acres in three different surveys. Also to the said son Duncan I give a negroe fellow named Fortune, [His son, Duncan [called "Long Duncan"], bequeated Fortune to his wife, then after her death, to their son Archibald ["Wild Archie"]in his will of 1832.] a negroe fellow named Bill, a wench named Hannah with her increase and a negroe boy named Jack, all the horses, cattle, shaep and hogs. I give and bequeath to my said son Duncan likewise the Still and all the house furniture, plantation tools and all other things.

I give and bequeath the negroe fellow Simon to my dear spouse and after her decease the said negroe I bequeath to my said son Lauchlane.

I give and bequeath to each of my daughters Viz, Mary McNair [wife of Duncan McNair], Marrion Ferguson [wife of James Ferguson], and Margaret McNeill [wife of Hector McNeill of Cumberland County; Margaret appears to have died by 1832.] to each of them as aforesaid one shilling sterling as also to my son Turquill McNeill [Did this Turquill McNeill move to Georgia? Angus McMillan and Turquill McNeill of Washington County, Georgia in October 1804 recommended that Malcolm Curry of NC be allowed a passport through the Creek nation in that state.] one shilling sterling.

I do hereby utterly disallow revoke and dis annull all and every other form Testaments Wills and Legacies Bequests and Executors by me in any ways before this time by me named Willed and bequeathed. Ratifying and Confirming this and no other to be my Last Will and Testament.

I do constitute John Gilchrist, Danold McNeill [Donald McNeill of Long Branch; Turquill's brother?] , and James McNeill [James McNeill of Rockfish Creek] Executors of this my Last will and Testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal the day and year first above written.
                                                                                                                                                                his
Signed Seal'd Published and Declared by the                                                       X Turquill McNeill xT
said Turquill McNeill as his last Will &                                                                                              mark and {Seal}
Testament. In the Presence of
Arch. McNeill X
Murdo. McLeod [Some of the lands passed from Turquill to sons and grandsons eventually belonged to descendants of Murdock McLeod.]
Daniel Ferguson [a brother/son of James Ferguson?]

Will of Archibald Black, 8 February 1792, Cumberland County
Source: Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, NC

read original: pg1 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2, 3

[This Archibald is believed to have been the father of Angus Black of Robeson County who died in 1821.]

In the name of God Amen, I Archibald Black of the county of Cumberland and State of North Carolina being very sick and weak of Body but of perfect mind and memory, Thanks be given unto God; calling into mind the mortality of my body, and knowing that is is appointed for all men once to die, do make & ordain this my last Will and testament; that is to say principally and first of all, I give and recommend my soul into the hand of Almighty God who gave it, and my Body I recommend to the Earth to be buried in a decent Christian Burial at the discretion of my Executors: Nothing doubting but at the general Resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God. And as touching such wordly [sic] estate wherewith it has pleased God to blefs me in this Life, I give, demise, and dispose of the same in the following manner and form:
First, I give and bequeath to Christian my beloved Wife a third part of the Cattle, the Sheep, and the Hogs, likewise pofsefsion of the Field and Buildings for Life
Secondly – I bequeath to my Son Malcom a Bond of sixty Pounds signed by Neill McCrannie.
Thirdly, I bequeath to my Son Donald a Fifty Acres Joining the plantation on the North Side.
Fourthly, I bequeath to my Son Angus Fifty Acres of Land Joining the plantation on the East side with the buildings thereof.
Fifthly, I bequeath to my Son John the plantation with the Utensils thereunto belonging
The remaining part of the Catle, one Mare, and one year old to be equally divided among my children. Likewise the Negroe Fellow after my Wife's Decease to be sold, and the value of him to be equally divided
among my children. And I hereby constitute and appoint my Loving brother Hugh Black, and my trusty friend Angus McNicol the sole and whole Executors of this my last Will and Testament; In witnefs whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal the 8th day of February 1792.

Signd Seald ratifyed and confirmed Archibald X Black
in the presence of [his mark]
John Stewart
Farquhard Bethune

Will of Donald McNeill, 7 March 1792, Robeson County
Source: Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, NC

read original: pg1 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2, 3

[This Donald McNeill was the father of brothers Neill McNeill on Long Swamp and Daniel McNeill who married Margaret McKay of Cumberland County. A deed dated 1803 from the brother Daniel, while living in Richmond County, is for 50 acres on Long Swamp. Here Donald states his two brothers-in-law are John Ferguson and James Ferguson. James Ferguson Sr. of upper Robeson, now upper Hoke County, had two sons named John and James, both of whom married but their wives' maiden names are unknown. In 1804, James Ferguson bought from Daniel the slave below named Willoughby, below.]

Steat of North Carolinae Robeson Countay
Be it kinonin to all eyes & Excatitors of me Donald McNeill that I Dwo may will this day in may Proper sence & Jugement & that I allowes after may on Death to Junate McNeill me one wife full poure of all may proprtie of two hundred & seventy ekars of Land & fiftie on the Longe Swampe & all the stocke Cowes & horses Sheipe & hoges & all house fountur to act & dwo what you plese with it all your lifetime & after your Death may son Donald McNeill [Daniel McNeill who lived in Richmond County until about 1803] is to come Eare of two hundred & seventie ekars of Land & fiftie on the Longe Swamp & all the stocke cowes horses Sheipes & hoges & Neigar called Willibie [Daniel sold Willoughby in 1804 to James Ferguson, Sr. of Robeson County. This is believed to have been the same Willoughby who was being hired by the Patrick Kelly family from Alexander Johnson in 1814.] & if may son Donald McNeill Deys Cilloles [dies childless: Daniel already has children, but Donald may mean that if Daniel and his children all died the lands he's leaving to Daniel—all 320 acres that he owns—would go to the surviving siblings and their mother.] Let all his Propertie be Devided two parts to Both his Brothers & two sisters & on third to his mothers eares I allow Peigie to get thre cows & Bed with all fourniter & a shilin sterlin if she will continue with her mother till she is marit [married] / on cow to Pollie & shillin sterlin / on cow to Hector McNeill & shillin sterlin to Neill may son ["Long Swamp" Neill McNeill] another cow & shill sterlin / now I dwo this with may foul content in may proper sense & Jughement that no persons or person can not alter thus will & I dwo allow Both may Brother in Law to be Exacitors of may son Donald McNeill propertie after his mothers Death & may on Death thus I Dwo on thus Day sine and selles the 7 March 1792
John ferguson X Donald McNeill
James ferguson X

Nuncupative Will of Laughlin McNeill, 1795, Cumberland County
Source: Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, NC

read original: pg1 | Family Chart | Related Deed: 1

[This Laughlin was the son of "Archibald Bahn" (Scribbling Archie) McNeill. This is a nuncupative will, spoken by Laughlin who, according to his estate settlement of 1807, became ill very suddenly and dictated the following will.]

State of North Carolina
Cumberland County}
This day came before me George Elliot one of ye Justices of the Peace for this County a Malcom McNeil & John McNeil (Scerbling) [This Malcolm (who married Jennet McAllister) is most certainly the brother of Laughlin. "Skeroblin John" McNeill was the husband of Laughlin's sister Margaret and was the son-in-law of Archibald McNeill Bahn (aka "Scribbling" Archie)] and Neil McNeil father of ye above mentioned John McNeil [The father and mother of "Skeroblin John" McNeill were Neill McNeill and Isabel Simpson who immigrated on the ship Ullysses in 1774.] and after being duly qualified according to Law deposeth as following:
Viz - That in the night of ye 9th inst. [Laughlin died between the 9th and 12th of November 1795, and this will was probated in January 1795 with a subsequent estate settlement in 1807.] a certain Lachland McNeil who was then present appearing in a low and dangerous situation but being of sound Judgement did ___ ___ the whole of his property to be disposed of as follows Viz -

I give the whole of my property real and personal to my Brother Neil McNeil as his right and property - at the same time I recommend to him Neil McNeil son of John McNeil (Scerbling) and Archibald McNeil (son of my Brother John McNeil) [This Archibald McNeill was the only child and son of John McNeill and wife Agnes McNeill, and he was killed in a gun accident as a young man and was unmarried.] as people which require his attention hoping he will make such provision out of my Estate for them as he in his prudence thinks proper to direct -

To which we have hereunto set our hands and seals this 12th day of November 1795 -
Test. George Elliot

Malm McNeil
John McNeill
Neill McNeill

[On back] nuncupative Will of Laughlan McNeill Janr 1796

Will of Henry McNeill, Senior, 19 August 1796, Cumberland County
Source: Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, NC

read original: pg1 pg2 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2, 3, 4 | Estate record

[This will was contested in Cumberland County court in January 1800 under the claim that the letters of administration were obtained illegally. Henry McNeill, Jr., living in Moore County at that time, and John Booker were summoned to appear. This Henry was Roger McNeill's brother, both sons of Neill McNeill on Tranthams Creek.]

I Henry McNeill of the State of North Carolina & Cumberland County being weak of Body but of perfect memory thanks be to God for his mercies do in the following manner Grant this to be my last will & Testament do in the presence of the Subscribed witnefses my Effects to be divided as I think proper -

I do Bequeath to spouse Mary [Mary Guest, called "Polly"] McNeill One Negreo Wench named Hannah & a Negroe Boy named Charley or Charles -, and likewise to my Son Joseph One Negroe Man named James & when the Almighty God sees fit to take my Mother in Law Out of this world - named Lucea Guest - that a Negroe fellow of hers now named George should be left & given to my Daughter Catherine [married William Crafford about 1808, the year she became legal age of 21] and to my Son named Neill I wish a Negroe Girl named Lucea to be given I likewise would wish that the said named Negroe James would be hired Out from one year to another till my son Joseph would become of age & said Hire or money whatever it comes to be given to my Daughter Lucea in order to Buy her a Negroe or the best advantage as they see fit The Land which I own on Tranthams Creek to be divided among my biggar sons Joseph & Neill & likewise they to pay my Debts with said land if not as they set fit -

I likewise order that my Guardians & Executor should be my wife Polly McNeill & Lucea Guest for my Guardians & George Anderson for my Executor -

Signed & Seal'd in presence
of us Henry McNeill Junr [son of Henry's brother, Roger McNeill]
& Jno Booker this 19th August
Cumberland County 1796 } Henry McNeill {Seal}
Test Henry McNeill
John Booker

Will of Archibald McKay, 21 March 1797, Cumberland County
Source: Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, NC

read original: pg1 pg2 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2, 3, 4

[This is believed to be the brother of Alexander McKay who died in 1769.]

State of North Carolina Cumberland County}
In the name of God Amen I Archibald McKay of the county & state aforesaid being in mind memory & perfect judgment ___ing but calling to mind the mortality of my body & that it is apointed for all men once to die do make ordain & constitute this my last will & testament that is to day principally , and first of I recommend my soul to God who gave it and my body to be intered in a christianly maner at the descresion of my Executors faithfully Believing that I shall _____ the same again by the almightly power of God and as touching such wordly estate as I now posfefs I do will bequeath and dispose of the same as follows
In primis I give unto each of my four sons John McKay Senr Malm McKay Archibald McKay & Neill McKay Seventy shillings stng [sterling] and no more
Item I give and bequeath unto my two eldest daughters Jenet Shaw & Sary McNeill to the Heirs of Alexander McKay & Isabella Reid twenty shillings stng each and no more
Item I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Katharine [née Mullin] McKay all my stock ___ing Cattle Horses Sheep Hogs & likewise all my household furniture four negroes viz Tim Jean (Hanna & Bet, Jeans children) during her natural life but at her decease to be equally among the following if she should marry two thirds of the stock and furniture to become and left to the childrens -
Item I give and bequeath unto John McKay Junr Katherine McKay son the saw mill and one half the land there unto belonging likewise two negroes Tom & Ester & one hundred pounds
Item I give unto my son Thos. F. McKay [physician] the plantation Dunfield formerly livd on the land there unto belonging & like wise half the land belonging to the saw mill one half my houses and lot in Fayetteville three negroes viz Lewis Old Bet & Nancy
Item I give my son Farquard McKay the plantation I now live on and all the lands on little river in the county of Cumberland half of the houses and lot in Fayetteville also three negroes viz. Old hanna Bet & big Anny - & in case either of the above mentioned boys John Thos or Farquard should die before they come of age his or their property to be divided among the surviving Brother or Brothers
Item I give unto Margaret McKay my daughter three negroes to wit. (David Jeans son) Judy & Stephen
Item - I give unto my daughter Elisabeth three Negroes Viz. John Vir and Doll
Item - I give my daughter Isabella McKay three Negroes Viz George Flory and little Anny
Item - I give my Daughter Christian McKay three Negroes little David do Hanna & Sam.
Item - I give my Daughter Mary McKay three Negroes Viz. Mary Lam [Larry?] & Bill
Item the perquisite arising from the houses in Fayetteville to be put to the use of the family until the youngest child is of age
Item I appoint and constitute my Beloved wife Katharine McKay Executrix and so long as she remains in her widowhood and no longer likewise my son John McKay Senr [Archibald's son by his first wife Ann Gilchrist] Executor of this my last will and testament hereby Revoking & disanuling all former will or Wills by me made or done & confirming thos Only to be my last will & Testament
Witnefs my hand and seal this twenty fist day of March in the year of our Lord 1797.
Signed sealed published pronounced
and declared before three Witnefses} Archd McKay {Seal}
John McKay
David Reid

State of North Carolina Cumberland County} July Term 1797 Then was this deed [should say 'will'] proven by David Reid and Neill McKay & admitted to record RMumford Clk

Will of Archibald Little, Senior, 19 September 1797, Robeson County
Source: Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, NC

read original: pg1 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

[A genealogical chart dated 1850—which probably no longer exists—states this Archibald Little, Senior was born in Scotland in 1730 and that he was the son of Duncan Little and a Miss Nickerson, or Nicholson, who, born of a noble family, was disowned for marrying beneath her. The chart showed that Archibald Little, Senior married Margaret Johnston who was born circa 1736 on the isle of "Gea" (Gigha), the daughter of John Johnston, Senior and Mary McAllister, and that Archibald Little, Senior with his wife Margaret and her brother John Johnston came from Scotland together in 1770. The following will has no probate date on it, but it was entered into the county court records of Robeson County for probate on April 4, 1809 and was proved by Nicolas McLauchlin, Archibald's son-in-law, a witness to the will. Records suggest that the Archibald Little whose will was written in 1812 was the son of this Archibald Little, Senior.]

In the name of god, Amen. I Archibald Little of the County of Robeson & State of North Carolina being weak in body, but of perfect mind & memory do make this my last will & Testament in manner and form following, that is to say Principally & first of all I Resign & give up my soul to the hand of almightly God who first gave it and my body to the dust from where it was at first taken, hopeing and believing that at the great & general Resurrection both my soul & body will Joyfully meet and be again Reunited by the Power of Almighty God, and put in full pofsefsion of that Glorious Inheritance which the Angels of light doth now enjoy, as for my worldly Goods, I order that My Plantation be sold & the price of it equally divided between My wife & daughter Katherine [Katherine married John Smith of Glasgow, Scotland, who is said to have fought at the Battle of Trafalgar], and likewise that my Cattle, Sheep, Hogs and Horse be equally divided between them, & likewise that my Daughter Katherine shall have twenty pounds or the value thereof over & above her share to be hers & her heirs for ever after my Decease, In witnefs whereof I have hereunto Set my Hand & Seal this nineteenth day of September one thousand seven hundred & 97.

Signed Sealed Published & DeclaredxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxArchd Little {Seal}
In the presense of
Neill Smith [Neill Smith of the Great Marsh, husband of Mary Little and son-in-law of Archibald Little, Senior]
Nicolas McLachlan [husband of Margaret Little and son-in-law of Archibald Little, Senior; Nicolas proved this will in court 4 April 1809]

Will of John McNeill of the Bluff, 2 April 1799, Cumberland County
Source: Cumberland County Will Book A, page 24, Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, NC

read original: pg1 pg2 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2, 3, 4

["Bluff John" McNeill was the son of "Bluff Hector" McNeill.]

John MacNeill, Bluff
In the name of God amen _ I, John MacNeill, bluff of North Carolina and Cumberland County, being weak of body, but of perfect mind and memory, thanks be given unto God _ 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 to God that gave it and my body I recommend to the earth, to be buried in a decent Christian burial, at the discretion of my Executors nothing doubting but at the general resurrection I shall receive that same again by the mighty power of God _ and touching such worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to blefs me in this life, I give, devise and dispose of the same in the manner and form following _
First – I give and bequeath to Nancy [McKethan] my beloved wife, the home plantation [the Bluff], with the lands belonging thereto, to the amount of eight hundred acres with all the household furniture, one half of horses, cattle & sheep and all the hogs and plantation tools, together with two negroes Jame and Nan, the whole to remain her right & property during her natural life, afterwards every part and parcel of the aforesaid legacy is to revert to my two sons Hector and Dugald to be equally divided, the Creek is to divide the lands, from the mouth out to the head of the branch, where Walter Bane now lives, the lower half to belong to my son Hector, and the upper part for Dugald.
Also – I do give and bequeath to my daughter Polly two negroes Clo and Sall _
And – I do give and bequeath to my son Hector two negroes Stephen and Adam _
I do give and bequeath to my daughter Henrietta, two negroes Phillis and Jean _
I do give and bequeath to my son Dugald two negroes Hector and Bill _
I do also desire that there may be sold to discharge my lawful debts a body of land belonging to me, which goes by the name of the great neck land, with three negroes Sambo, Sidney and Rose, with one half of my Stock of horses, cattle and sheep, and also blacksmiths tools, my saw mill Irons and grist mill stones to go to Hector Stewart as per bargain, leaving at the same time a discretionary power with my Executors for to keep back any part of the perishable property, that will tend most to the benefit of my family _
I likewise constitute make and ordain my wife Nancy and Hector MacAlester and Alexander MacAlester the sole Executors of this my last will and testament, and I do hereby disannul all and every other testament and Executors by me any ways before named _ and I do hereby ratify & confirm this and no other to be my last will and testament _ In witnefs whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 2d day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety nine _
                                                                                                John McNeill {Seal}
Test -   T Hodges.
            Hector Stewart.
            Alexander Stewart.                {Proven and admitted to record July Term 1799
                                                                                                Test. R Mumford C.C._

Will of Archibald "Bahn / Scribbling / Scrubbling / Skeroblin Archie" McNeill, 17 April 1801, Cumberland County
Source: Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, NC

read original: pg1 pg2 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

[A deed from Daniel McNeill in Nova Scotia leaves his interest in his brother Lachlan's estate to his nieces. No Lachlan is mentioned below as a son of "Scribblin Archie" McNeill because the will was written in 1801 and Laughlin died 11 November 1795. Scribbling Archie's son Archibald was NOT born in 1777 as is widely stated and believed, but wrote his will in 1777 (a very faded document but I enhanced it digitally to read it) in which he feared not being able to return to his county to enjoy his property; he was probably going off to war. In his 1777 will young Archibald mentions the lands his father bought him on Sprowls Ferry which he would leave to his sister Margaret. Scribbling Archie, in possession of those Sprowl lands when writing his will in 1801 bequeathed them to Margaret, and since Scribbling Archie did not mention him in his will, Archibald was probably dead by 1801—killed in the Revolution? Scribbling Archie sometimes signed his name with an "A" and at times spelled it out completely. I wish to say here that the nickname "Scribbling Archie" is probably more of an insult or joke; when identified in original records he is called "Archibald Bahn" McNeill.]

In the name of god, Amen. I Archibald MacNeill of Cumberland County and State of North Carolina, now considering myself frail in body, tho’ of perfect mind & memory, & well knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make this my last will & Testament. I resign my soul to its Creator in all humble hope of it future happinefs, as in the dispofal of a Being infinitely good. As to my body, my will is, that it be decently buried beside my spouse in our old burying place. Thereby make & appoint my son in law John McNeill ["Skeroblin John" McNeill, born in Scotland likely on a farm near Skeroblingorry in Argyllshire, husband of Archie's daughter Margaret] & my son Neil MacNeil Executors, or which ever of the two survives the other sole Executor, of this my last Will & Testament. As to my worldly Estate I dispose thereof as follows

I give and bequeath to my son John & his wife [Agnes], during their lifetime, the plantation now occupied by them; & after their decease, if no lawful heirs of John’s own body survive him or his wife, I order said plantation to be the property of my son Donald & his heirs. I also bequeath to said John & his wife, during their life time, two negroe wenches named Tilla & Nell, & after their death, if said negroes survive them, I order & devise said negroes with their ifsue to be given up to my daughter Margaret MacNeill & her heirs.

Item. I give & devise to my son Donald three hundred & twenty three acres of land, more or lefs, lying in Chatham County, near the mouth of the Hope; also a tract or parcel of land lying on McKays Creek in this county. And in case my son Donald nor any of his heirs in Nova Scotia should never come to claim the sd plantation, I order the said plantations to be equally divided betwixt my son Hector’s [This is "One-Eyed Hector" McNeill] son Donald, & my grandson John MacNeill’s son [By 'John McNeill's son' Archie means son of "Skerobline John" McNeill], also named Donald.

Item. I give & bequeath to my son Hector one hundred acres joining his land on Trantrum’s Creek [Tranthams Creek]; & one hundred & fifty acres on said Creek, known by the name of The blacksmith’s old field” [This blacksmith was Thomas Jones] – I also bequeath to him two negroe fellows, named Will & Bacchus junior –

Item. I give & devise to my daughter Margaret McNeill a negroe wench named Leanor together with her children; & another negroe wench named Bett & also two negroe fellows named Virgil & Angus; – I likewise give & devise to her, during her life time, two hundred acres of land on the north east side of Cape Fear river below the ferry commonly known by the name of Sprowl’s ferry & after her decease I order said two hundred acres of land to be the property of my son Neil & his lawful heirs –

Item. I give and devise to her son Donald the plantation on Jones’s Creek [Is this Jones Creek off of Upper Little River?] & the lands adjoining it now my property –

Item. I bequeath to her son Archibald a plantation in Moore County, known by the name of “Herd’s old fields,” & in Cumberland County, one hundred acres survey known by the name of “Lofton’s Ifland”, also a parcel of land in the fork of Anderfon’s Creek, known by the name of Hodge’s survey.

Item. I give and devise to my son Neil the ferry lands containing four hundred & forty acres; – the lands bought from James Patterfon [Scribbling Archie's sons Neill and Laughlin bought what was originally Malcolm McNeill's 1740 patent land from James Patterson in 1792. Paterson obtained it through a long title chain beginning with Malcolm McNeill who in 1748 sold it to John Anderson who sold it to Martin Trantham.], & all the lands belonging to me on the waters of lower little river; – also two negroe fellows named Charles & Cupid; – & the four negroe wenches named Judith, Nan, Fanny & Flora – Item I give & devise to his daughter Janet the little negroe wench named Abith –

Item. I give and devise unto my grand daughter Janet Shaw the negroe girl named Judith; after said Janet’s death I order the negroe girl Judith & her ifsue to be equally divided among the lawful heirs sd Janet’s own body –

Item. I give & bequeath to my grand son John MacNeill, John Skeribly’s son, one hundred acres of land, more or lefs, lying on the bear branch commonly known by the name of Peggy Black’s old field – & likewise another piece of land clofe to it, known by the name of “Thing’s school house –

Item. I give and devise to my two grand children, Donald, Hector’s son, & to Lacklan, Neill’s son, to be equally divided betwixt them a lot in the town of Fayetteville.

Item. I bequeath to my son, Hector, two hundred & fifty acres on the flat lands from the meadow [called 'Great Meadow' in deeds] to the old place; also two hundred & fifty acres joining the old survey that was the property of Roger MacNeill, also one hundred & fifty acres on the blue branch & Trantrum’s Creek; likewise fifty acres lying between the old lands of McKay & McNair.

Item. I give and devise to my grand son Coll MacNeill [son of Malcolm and Jennet McAlister McNeill] two hundred acres on Stewart’s Creek.

Item. I give and devise to my son John, two hundred acres on Anderson’s Creek joining the old place; fifty acres on the rooty ford, Carver’s Creek I bequeath to my son John.

Item. I give and devise to my son Neill the plantation I bought from Robert McKay & my lands adjoining –

Item. I give and devise to my grand daughters, Malcom’s children, Janet, Flora, & Isabel five shillings sterling each –

Item. I bequeath for my son Donald twenty milch cows out of my stock to be sold, & the money to put to interest for the benefit of Donald & his heirs.

Item. I bequeath to my son Neil’s daughter, Janet, my flock of sheep.

Item. I give & devise to my son Neill the remainder of my stock of cattle & wild horses, on condition he will not interfere with my son Hector’s stock; & also my stock of hogs; also a Still to be equally [shared?] between Neil & my grandson Archibald, John Skeribly’s son, There__ my house hold furniture & worldly property I give & devise to my son Neil, in hopes he will make good use of it –

If my daughter Margaret should in a short time after this, be taken away by death, I order that her children, while they keep together, be allowed by my son Neil to live at Sprowl’s Cowpen on Thorton’s Creek – I also order that she, during her life time, remain on the place where she & her family now live –

This my last Will & Testament written this 17th of April, A.D. 1801 & signed in presence of the Revd Angus Macdiarmid [Lived at "Ardnave" plantation on Lower Little River; came from Edinburgh in 1793; wife Ann McNeill born 1773 and died 1853. Ann was the sister of Dr. Charles Daniel McNeill who studied medicine in Edinburgh and was grandson of Daniel McNeill of Taynish through his daughter Elizabeth and her husband William McNeill. Angus's and Ann's descendants are buried at Cross Creek cemetery. According to Lucille Johnson in her book, Hometown Heritage about Fayetteville history, Ann McNeill McDiarmid was the aunt of Anna McNeill Whistler.] & Hector MacNeill both living on Little River –

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxArchibald McNeill
Angus Macdiarmid witnefs
Hector McNeill wifnefs
Filed at March Term 1822 & ordered to be Recorded
Recorded in Book B page 75 John Armstrong CC

Will of James McNeill of Rockfish Creek, 6 May 1801, probated April 1805, Cumberland County
Source: Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, NC

Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 | Photo

[NOTE: This will was probated in 1805. James McNeill of Rockfish Creek was also known as Jimmie McNeill of McCaskills Creek, and he appears to have been buried at Philippi cemetery. James McNeill could sign his name, and did so in deeds from him, but he must have been quite weak at the writing of this will as he put an "x" to his signature.]

State of North Carolina, Cumberland County } May the sixth one thousand eight hundred & one. In the Name of God Amen, I James McNeill of the State and County aforesaid being weak in Body yet of perfect mind and Memory (thanks be to God for his mercy) Calling to 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 Teftament. That is to say principally and first of all I give and recommend my soul to God who gave it and for my Body I recommend to the Earth to be buried in a Christian like and decent manner at the discretion of my dear Children and Executors hereafter named, not doubting but at the general Resurrection I shall receive the same by the mighty Power of God. And as touching such Wordly Estate wherewith God hath been pleased to blefs me in this life, I give devise and difpose in the manner and form following Viz. Imprimis. I give bequeath and demise to my beloved Wife [Elizabeth McNeill], the Use of the plantation on which I now live and alfo the service of a Negro man named Dan, Negro woman named Cate, Negro Girl named Sall & a Negro Boy named Solomon during her life, and after her Death the said Negro Boy Solomon shall be left to my Son Hector [This is Doctor Hector McNeill who died in Cumberland County, NC on 1 March 1840, as is proved by his simple 1840 estate settlement in Cumberland County which lists the slaves Soloman and Dinah bequeathed here and who were sold to pay debts after Hector's death. Neither wife nor children were listed in the estate, administered by his niece Anna McNeill Wilkinson wife of William Wilkinson; so Hector died childless. Bible records state Hector was the last of James's and Elizabeth's 12 children to die.], and the others of the above Negroes to such of Her offspring as she shall think requifite. All my Stocks Horfes Cattle etc are to be equally divided between my Dear Wife, and Sons Daniel [Who signed his name "Danold McNeill"] & Hector, and likewise my Daughter Anne ["Nancy," married Archibald McFadyen in 1806.], one half of the Household furniture is to remain with my Dear Wife and the other to be equally divided betwixt my Sons Daniel & Hector, and Daughter Anne. I alfo bequeath to my Son Daniel a Negro Fellow named Jack and three hundred and fifty Acres of Land including the plantations. I also have to my son James a Negro Fellow named Jacob & a Negro Girl named Mary likewise four hundred and fifty Acres of Land which he at present pofefses [Selling this property within a year after this will was probated, and presumably quite soon after his father's death, is an indication that James may have left the area. A family history covering the descendants of "Black Daniel" McNeill and wife Sarah McKay McNeill of Moore County states that their daughter Ann married a James McNeill of Robeson whose obituary of 1829 in Moore County stated he was from Robeson County.].
I likewise give to my Son Hector a Negro Boy named Laurry & Negro Girl Dinah as also four hundred Dollars, and three hundred and fifty Acres of Land including Archd McNeills Improvement. [Hector, a doctor, sold this land in 1811 while living in Cumberland County.] —
I also bequeath each of my Daughters thirty Dollars [equivalent to about 730 dollars today (2024)], and my Daughter Anne seventy five Acres of Land lying on the weft side of the Pocofin [Anne married Archibald McFadyen in 1806; so her 75 acres on the pocosin were absorbed into the McFadyen properties. Ann and Archibald McFadyen's sons, Neill and James, sold hundreds of acres of their inherited lands—some originally having been James McNeill's—to Alexander Johnson of Cumberland County who bought much of James's and son Danold McNeill's lands from Danold's wife and children in 1837.] —
And lastly I bequeath to John McEachern thirty Dollars [John McEachern was James McNeill's son-in-law, and was the son of Daniel McEachern Sr. and one of James's eldest daughters whose first name is unknown. John married Elizabeth Conley and moved to Pike Co., AL. John and Elizabeth are ancestors of Governor George Wallace of AL. John was also brother to James McEachern of Sumter, SC, whose 1815 will there named his own "uncle Duncan McNeill of Robinson (Robeson) County, North Carolina", Duncan being "Long Duncan" McNeill, his uncle by marriage to his mother sister, Margaret McNeill]. —
I do hereby difallow revoak and difannul all & every other forms Teftaments Wills and Legacies Requefts & Executors by me in any way before this time named, willed & bequeathed. —
Ratifying and confirming this & no other to be my laft Will & Teftament.— I do conftitute my Son Hector, Donald Johnston & Archd McNeill ["Archie Ghar" McNeill, adjacent neighbor to the south whose daughter Elizabeth married James McNeill's son Danold McNeill.] Executor of this my laft Will & Teftament in witnefs whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal the day and year above written— Signed, sealed, publifhed & delivered.
Attested by us}
Hugh McColl his mark X [McColl lived on Rockfish Creek in Cumberland]
Margaret McNeill her mark X [daughter of James McNeill and the wife of "Long Duncan" McNeill]
Flora McEachern her mark X [granddaughter of James McNeill??]
.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxhis
ssx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxby me James xXxxMcNeill
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxmark and {Seal}

Will of Margaret Wilkeson, 14 July 1803, Robeson County
Source: Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, NC

read original: pg1 | Family Chart | Related Deeds

In the name of God Amen.

I, Margaret Wilkeson of the County of Robeson and State of North Carolina being weak in body but of perfect mind & memory Do make this my last Will & Testament in manner & form following –

1st I give and bequeath to my dear & beloved friend Barabar [Barbara] MacPherson whom I now live with one fether bed & all the bed clowes thereunto belonging, all the pillows likewise all of my own body clowes after my Disolution. This 14th Day of July 1803.

Also I give unto her one small spinning wheel and a pair of cotten Cards & likewise one riding saddle.

xxxxxxxx her
MargaretxXxWilkeson
xxxxxxx mark

Signed & sealed in presence of:
Archd Gilchrist
Randal MacPherson [was Barbara Randal McPherson's wife?]

Will of Hector "Sailor Hector" McNeill, 20 December 1803, Robeson County
Source: Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, NC

[A 20th-century monument in the McNeill Cemetery in Red Springs, NC where he is buried records Hector's death as 1809. But Robeson County Court Minutes show that on 2 April 1804 his will was presented in court for probate by the men Hector named as his executors. And since wills are not offered in court for probate until after the testator is deceased, he therefore died between 20 December 1803—the date of his will—and 2 April 1804. It is likely he died in the first three months of 1804. "Sailor Hector and wife Mary are said to have had a daughter whose name is forgotten. She is not mentioned in this will so likely died before the date of the will. The fate of another of their daughters, Catherine, is still unknown, but was thought by many to have been the Catherine McNeill who died in 1865 and was buried at Philadelphus Church. Research has proved the Catherine buried there is not a daughter of "Sailor Hector" McNeill but the daughter of John McNeill of Richland Swamp and a sister to Daniel McNeill of Richland Swamp. Also, research by Barden Culbreth of Raleigh, a descendant, into the Culbreths of Virginia (Kemp Culbreth stated he was born in that county) has revealed a good deal of strong circumstantial evidence that Mary, Hector's wife, was Mary Culbreth of Mecklenburg Co., Virginia, born in 1742. Her family there had connections to a small McNeill family nearby and likely were related to Hector's McNeill family in Robeson.]

In the name of God Amen. I, Hector McNeill of the County of Robeson and State of North Carolina being weak in body but of perfect mind & memory, do make this my last Will & Testament in manner & form following, (viz);

First I give and bequeath to my beloved wife [Mary Culbreth McNeill] two negroes Quash and Hannah, likewise all my stock and household furniture to dispose of as she thinks proper, also the plantation whereon I now live and all my land adjoining it during her lifetime and then to become my son William's. Second: I give and bequeath to my son Malcolm, two Negroes, Ben and Susan, also one hundred acres of land lying on Bear Swamp [This land near Bear Swamp is the Moss Neck property that remained in the McNeill family for generations.].

Third: I give and bequeath to my daughter, Isabella, one Negro girl named Ede. I give and bequeath to my daughter Catherine one Negro wench named Lenah, except her issue which I wish to be divided in the following manner (if any there should be) Viz; My son William to have the first child; my daughter, Mary the next, then should said wench have any more issue I desire that it should be divided equally between Isabella, Catherine, William and Mary. If said wench Lena should be without issue, then said Negroes, Ben, Susan, Ede and Lenah to be equally divided between my children Malcolm, Isabella, Catherine, William and Mary.

I also appoint my son Malcolm and my son-in-law Daniel Buie executors of this last Will and Testament.

In witnefs thereof, I here unto set my hand and seal this twentieth day of December 1803

Sign'd & seal'd in presence of:xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxHis
Neill Buiexxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Hector xxxX xxxMcNeill
Daniel Buiexxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxmark

Will of Godfrey McNeill, 16 October 1806, Robeson County
Source: Robeson County Courthouse, Lumberton, NC

read original: pg1 pg2 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2, | Photo

[Also see the section on Godfrey McNeill in Cyrus McNeill's History of Two McNeill Families. Godfrey's will, dated October 1806, has no probate date but county court minutes show it was proved in court in very early January of 1807; barring legal complications, wills were proved generally a month or so after death, so he died most likely between October and December of 1806.]

In the name of God Amen. I, Godfrey McNeill, of the County of Robeson, being of sound and perfect mind and memory, Blessed be God, do this 16 day of October in the year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and six make and publish this my last will and testament in the manner following, viz:

Item 1 I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife, Catherine, fifty acres of land between and joining the land that's granted by patent to my son Neill, including a part of his new field. I ordain that she shall enjoy in quiet possession my two negros Jack and Jeeny and receive the benefit of their labour during life also four cows and a sorrel filley, also the sheep.

Item 2 I give and bequeath to my son Malcolm [Malcolm the Saddler] one dollar.

Item 3 I give and bequeath to my son John three cows.

Item 4 I give and bequeath to my son Alexander [Alexander the Carpenter] one dollar.

Item 5 I give and bequeath to my son Donald [Daniel the Hatter] one dollar.

Item 6 I give and bequeath to my son Hector [Hector the Carpenter] a negro man named Jack after his mother's death.

Item 7 I give and bequeath to my daughter Nancy a negro girl named Patience and two cows.

Item 8 I give and bequeath to my daughter Betsy a negro boy named Jim and two cows.

Item 9 I give and bequeath to my daughter Catherine one dollar.

Item 10 I give and bequeath to Daniel and Margaret Stewart [Sarah Margaret McNeill, wife of Daniel Stewart and daughter of Godfrey and Kitty McNeill. Their daughter Jennett E. Stewart married in 1852 Alexander D. McNeill, a son of "Wild Archie" McNeill.] one dollar each of them.

Item 11 I give and bequeath to my son Neill one hundred eighty five acres of land joining his own, also fifty acres after his mother's death and the remaining part of the stock, cattle and hogs.

Item 12 I ordain that my son Neill to pay my son James one hundred dollars at the expiration of three years, it being his portionable part of my estate. I ordain that Neill shall have Jeeny and her issue after his mother's death.

I constitute and appoint my son Malcolm and John and also my wife Catherine joint executors and executrix of this my last will disannuling all other wills or testaments made or signed by me before this day being the day and year as above written.

Signed sealed published in the presents of
John McNeill
Neill McNeill

xxxxx X
Godfrey McNeill
xxxHis mark

Will of "Raft Swamp Daniel" Patterson (c.1731 - c.1808), written 31 July 1808, Robeson County
Source: Department of Archives and History

read original: pg1 pg2 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2

["Raft Swamp Daniel" Patterson's will was probated in Oct 1808 and proved in court by Duncan McAlpin who signed as witness below, so Daniel's will having been written in July 1808, his death was between July and October of 1808.]

State of North Carolina
Robeson County

In the name of God Amen. I Daniel Patterson in the aforesaid State & County on this thirty-first day of July in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and eight, being very sick and weak of body but of perfect mind and memory, thanks be given to God, do make and ordain this my last will and testament that is to say, principally and first of all I give and commit my soul unto the heart of Almighty God that gave it & my body I commend to the Earth to be buried in a decent Christian burial at the discretion of my executor. And as touching such worldly estate which it has pleased God to bless me with in this life I give, bequeath, ordain and dispose the same in the following manner.

First, I give and bequeath unto my son Alexander [born c.1760 in Robeson Co.- died 1815 in Robeson County], my land including all the improvements made by me with my negroe fellow, Harry, I do further wish that the said Alexander shall within a space of three years shall well and truly pay unto my son John [born c.1756, lived in Columbus County] the sum of Three Hundred Dollars viz: one hundred annually until the whole is discharged.

Secondly – I give & bequeath unto my daughter Barbara my negroe boy Isaac, [illegible] plantation to my wife during her natural lifetime.

Thirdly – I give unto my daughter Margaret Buchan my negroe woman, Anne.

Fourthly – I give and bequeath unto my daughter, Florah McMillan my negroe woman Venus and after her death to her children.

Fifthly – I give & bequeath unto my daughter Mary Blue my negro girl Bett, and after her death to her children.

Sixthly – I give and bequeath unto my grandson, Daniel McMillan, son of my daughter, Catherine, my negroe boy, Sam, to his heirs, forever.

Seventhly, I give and bequeath unto my loving wife Mary [McMillan] Patterson four cows, the horses, the sheep and the hogs, to live on my plantation and to have the service of my negroes during her lifetime. And I do further ordain that the remainder of my cattle shall be equally divided among the whole, five children and that the household furniture, riding chair & plantation utensils remain on the plantation during the life-time of my wid. wife and then to be disposed of after her death

Eighthly: I give & bequeath unto my granddaughter, Margaret Buchan one cow & calf & also to my granddaughter Elisah Patterson one cow and calf.

That I do further constitute ordain and appoint my son, Alexander Patterson the sole Executor of this my last will and testament. In testimony of I have hereunto set my hand & seal the day and year first above written.
xxxxxxhis
Daniel X Patterson
xxxxxmark
Signed, sealed and published by the said Daniel Patterson as his last will & testament & In the presence of each other here beneath .... sign our names:
D. Macalpen
John Buchan

Will of Daniel McNeill, written before 31 Oct 1807, probated March Term 1808, Cumberland County
Source: Department of Archives and History

read original: pg1 pg2 pg3 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2, 3, 4

[This Daniel McNeill was the son of "Bluff Archie" McNeill and Barbara Baker.]

State of North Carolina Cumberland County

In the name of God amen I Daniel MNeill [sic] of the aforesaid State and County being very sick and weak but of perfect mind and memory thanks be to God Calling into mind the mortality of my body knowing it is apointed 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 recomment my soul into the hand of almighty god that gave it and my body I recommend to the Earth to be buried in Deacent Christian burial at the discretion of my executors 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 blefs me in this life I give devise and dispose of the same in the following maner and form;
     First; I give and bequeath to Esebell my dearly beloved wife one third part of the lands her lifetime Jacob and Sall [Sall had been bequeathed to Daniel by his father, "Bluff Archie" McNeill], her lifetime and after her death to be returned to his heirs [her heirs?] also one third of the cattle hogs sheep horses and all the movable property, also one third of the household furniture,
     Second; Hector MNeill my dearly beloved son I give and bequeath one hundred and ninety acres which I purchased from Duncan Campbell [purchased in 1805] Also the negro boy frank and a young mare, and to have an equal division of the rest of the movable property Third also to Archibald my beloved son I give and bequeath unto him the balance of the lands I bought from James McNeill and John Dickson after his mothers thirds are laid of and after her death her part to belong to him Archd and Margaret Mary Esebell Nancy [Ann, called "Nancy", married John McCall of Bladen County] Sarah and Barbary to have an equal Division of the negroes and all the other movable property -
Also several tracts of land lying on black river which is my Desire will be sold [This land or part of it was sold eventually to Thomas McPhail, Daniel's son-in-law.] and the money together with the money due the estate to be equally divided among the mother and all the rest of the heirs
     My son Hector executor & his mother Executrix, of my last will and testament witnefs whereof I the said Daniel MNeill have to this my last will and testament set my hand this day and year above written - [There is no date to this will, only the date it is entered into the county record, March Term 1808. Daniel died 31 Oct 1807.]
                                                                                                                                                           Daniel MNeill {Seal}
Signed seald publishd and declard
By the testator as his last will and testament
in the presence of us who were prefent at the time of signing sealing thereof
Archd MNeill
Archd McLeran
John McLarren                               March Term 1808 proved by Archd McNeill & Archd McLeran Recorded in Book A folio 117

Will of Neill McNeill, undated but written after 1787, recorded amongst wills written by testators in 1808, Robeson County
Source: Department of Archives and History

read original: pg1 | Family Chart | Related Deeds of Neill McNeill of Upper Little River: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

[This is Neill McNeill of Upper Little River in today's Harnett County, NC. He was first married to a woman whose name has been lost, and their four known children—Malcolm, Hector, Neill and Elizabeth—are listed in this will. However, after the death of this unknown first wife, Neill later married Mrs. Jane Campbell McNeill, widow of William McNeill. So, both Neill and Jane had been married previous to their own marriage which took place around 1772. Neill and Jane had only two children and they are listed below as well: John born about 1774, and Daniel (called "Marsh Daniel") born in 1778. Neill's will is found in an ancient Robeson County will book, the wills of which were arranged chronologically from 1785 into the 1800s; though undated, Neill's will is recorded within wills written by their testators in 1808.]

In the name of God Amen, I Neill McNeill of the County of Robeson and State of North Carolina being weak in body but of perfect mind and memory do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following –
1st I commend my soul to God that gave it and my body to the dust from which it was at first taken, hoping that at the General Resurrection both soul and body shall again joyfully meet and to be reunited, and partake of the inheritance of the saints in light. I likewise request that my body may be interred in a Christian like manner and as much of my estate made use of as will be sufficient to defray expense of my burial.
2dly I give and bequeath to my beloved wife [Jane Campbell McNeill] a sufficient share of my estate during her lifetime that is, a right to live on my plantation that I now live on, and the privileges belonging thereunto during her lifetime together with a sufficient support of all the rest of my moveable property during her lifetime and after her decease to be returned to my two sons John and Daniel McNeill as is hereafter mentioned
3dly I give and bequeath to my beloved son John McNeill one hundred and eighty acres of land including the plantation that I now live upon to be his and his heirs forever [John was the son of Neill and the widow Jane Campbell McNeill and it is said he married first a Baker (of the Baker family of Upper Little River who lived around the McNeill lands there?) and then to a Mary Harrell].
4thly I give and bequeath to my beloved son Daniel McNeill two hundred and thirty acres of land on the Marsh that is one hundred acres on the east side of the Juniper and one hundred and thirty acres on the Long Branch to be his and his heirs forever [Daniel is known as "Marsh Daniel" McNeill, born 8 Feb 1778, and was the first son of Neill and the widow Jane Campbell McNeill. He married Mary Buie Brown daughter of John Brown and Ala Bennett].
4thly [sic] I give and bequeath to my beloved sons Malcolm [This is Malcolm McNeill on Upper Little River whose daughter Jane and her husband William McNeill sold his Little River lands in 1854.], Hector [Is this Hector McNeill, Sr. of Upper Little River whose wife, Margaret, was from Robeson County and daughter of Turquill McNeill of Robeson? Mabel Lovin records the long-held belief that this Hector married his step-sister, Nancy McNeill the daughter of Jane Campbell and William McNeill but deeds and Revolutionary War pension records prove otherwise.], and Neill McNeill my lands in Cumberland County on Upper Little River to be equally divided, each one having his part joining his own plantation, likewise the back lands into three parts and each one his part to be theirs and their heirs forever.
5thly I give and bequeath to my beloved daughter Elizabeth one shilling and her heirs forever [Since she is only given a shilling, Elizabeth is probably well married—but to whom?].
6thly I likewise desire that all my moveable property be equally divided between my two sons John and Daniel to be theirs and their heirs forever after their mothers decease.
Signed, sealed and acknowledged
In the presence of us                                                               his
Test. Hector McNeill                                                  Neill     X    McNeill
Neill Smith [of the Great Marsh]                                          mark
Daniel McMillan

Will of John McNeill, 8 September 1809, Robeson County
Source: Department of Archives and History

read original: pg1 pg2 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2, 3, 4

[Who was this John McNeill? He lived near the westernmost corner of old Robeson County, now Hoke County. This John McNeill died between the writing of this will on 8 September 1809 and Dec 1809, as his will was probated in court on 2 Jan 1810 per Robeson County court minutes. This is NOT "Cunning John" McNeill of Cumberland County.]

In the Name of God Amen
I John McNeill being sick in body But of good perfect and sound memory, Blefsed by god for it; and calling to mind that it is allotted for all men once to die. I do conftitute and ordain this to be my last Will and Testament in form and manner following --
And first of all I give and recomment my soul to the living God who gave it and my body to the Earth to be burried at the discretion of my Executors-
And I give and bequeath to my Eldest son Archibald McNeill, one hundred and fifty acres of Land near the drains of Rockfish. Joining Lands of Patrick Kelly. I also gave my son Archibald three hundred and fifty Acres between the beaverdam and big middle Swamps in three different Surveys Joining lands of Duncan Ferguson and Duncan McNeill ["Long Duncan" McNeill of Robeson County] _ I also give him one Sorral Mare and colt --
And I give and bequeath to my youngest son Alexander McNeill The plantation whereon I now live, with all the improvement- after the death of my beloved wife Flora McNeill which shall be confidered as hers while living, with all household furniture and plantation Utensils and after her death to be my son Alexander's -
And I give and bequeath to my Daughter Polly McNeill three cows and Calves - And I leave and bequeath to my loving wife Flora McNeill, my whole stock of sheep and hogs to be Divided amonge my sons and Daughters at her discretion
And I likewise give my wife Flora one sorrel Horse and one Filly during her life, then to return to my son Alexr.
And I give and bequeath to my son Alexr Two hundred Acres Joining my Improvements, and I give and bequeath to my son Alexr my Negroe Fellow Jim etc_
And I give unto Mary McNeill Daughter of my son Archibald McNeill three cows and calves -
And I also give unto my Daughters Margaret McNair Nancy Love Katherine Currie, Sarah McEachin and Flora Petterson one shilling Sterling each -
I also ordain my sons Archibald McNeill and Alexr McNeill and John McEachin Executors of this my last will and Testament etc_
This the 8th day of September in the year or our Lord one thousand eight hundred and Nine -
Signed and Sealed in the prefence of}
Duncan Currie                                                                                his
Neill Ferguson                                                                         John X McNeill {Seal}
John Ferguson                                                                               mark

Will of Donald Galbreath, 11 June 1810, Robeson County
Source: State Archives of North Carolina, Raleigh, NC

read original: pg1    |   Family Chart   |   Related Deeds

In the name of God Amen. I, Donald Galbreath of the County of Robeson and State of North Carolina being of sound and perfect mind and memory (Blefsed be God) do this eleventh day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and Ten make and publish this my last will and testament in manner following that is to say I give and bequeath to my son John Mike Anna and Jean I give and bequeath to my son Malcom Danny Rachel and Cate I give and bequeath to my grand son Donald McKay Lydda if the said Lyda has an increase I bequeath her fist born to my Grand Daughter Cathrine McKay and the rest of her Increase I order them to be divided among Alxdr McKays children that he will have by his wife Mary I bequeath one dollar to my Daughter Jene I give and bequeath a negore Girl named Betty to my grand son Dugal Stuart I give and bequeath young Hanna to my wife Marran her life time I give and bequeath old Hanna and her son Peter is to return to my son John and Malcom also three cows two mares and a colt and stock of Sheep which she may bequeath to whom it soots her I give and bequeath to my son John and Malcom one acre Lot in the Town of Fayetteville and one hundred acres of Land in Cumberland County on the side of Black River and my whole pofsefsion of land in Robeson County -- I hereby make and ordain my son John and Malcom Galbreath Executors of this my last will and Testament in witnefs whereof I the said Donald Galbreath have to this my last will and Testament set my hand and seal the day and year above written signed sealed published and declared by the sd Donld Galbreath the testator as his last will and Testament in the presence of us who were present at the time of signing and sealing thereof

M McNeill                                                                                                                                   her
Jno Henderson                                                                                                                     DonaldxXxGalbreath
Alexr Henderson                                                                                                                          mark

Robeson County Feby Term 1817 This will was proved in open Court by the oath of M McNeill and Alexr Henderson and ordrered to be recorded J McQueen DC

Will of Reverend Daniel Brown, 24 April 1811, Williamsburg District, SC
Source: Collected papers of J.S. "Jay" Edgerton, McKay-Edgerton Collection

read original: pg1 pg2 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2, | Photo

State of South Carolina Williamsburg District, Know all men by these presents that I Daniel Brown of the State and district aforesaid now in perfect health enjoying the proper exersise of all my intellectual powers unempaired do at the request of Katherine Brown my wife [Catherine McPherson, daughter of Daniel McPherson and Marian McNeill.] give up and renounce all claim or claims whatsoever to all and every part of the property held and pofsefsed by her previous to our marriage consisting of four negroes London Amy Davie and Nancy who was born last summer, one horse and some other stock one bed and furniture etc to be held and disposed of forever at her pleasure In witnefs wereof I do hereunto set my hand and seal this the twenty fourth day of April and in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and eleven.
Neill BrownxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxDaniel Brown {seal}
D. Buie
Robeson County May term 1816 This will was proved in open court by the oaths of Neill Brown and Daniel Buie and ordered to be registered. J.McQueen, DC

Will of Daniel McNeill, 27 March 1812, Robeson County
Source: Photocopy from Robeson Co. Courthouse, Lumberton, NC

read original: pg1 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

[This Daniel McNeill is the brother of Neill McNeill on Long Swamp, both sons of Donald and Janet McNeill of Robeson County.]

State of North Carolina Robeson County In the name of God Amen I Daniel McNeill being (tho weak of body) yet of sound mind and memory and Judgment do make and constitute this my last will and Testament viz. 1st I give and bequeath to Each of my children Ten Dollars, to be delivered by my wife Margaret [daughter of Alexander and Catherine McKay of Cumberland County who died in 1769.]. 2nd I give and bequeath to my wife the remainder of my Estate, during her life time; to be disposed of by her in her last will and Testament, among my children, as she will see convenient. In witnefs whereof I have hereunto affixed my hand and seal 27th day of March and in the year of our Lord 1812.
in the presence of
John Stewart Daniel McNeill {Seal}
Mary .|. Stewart her mark
Robeson County May Term 1813 This will was proved by the oath of John Stewart and admitted to Record.

Will of Archibald McNeill, 10 August 1812, Cumberland County
Source: State Archives of North Carolina, Raleigh, NC

[This Archibald McNeill married first to Flora Campbell and second to Ann "Nancy" Ray. He was likely the son of Neill McNeill and Margaret Ferguson of Upper Little River in today's Harnett County. I suspect this Neill may have been a grandson of Neill McNeill of Upper Little River.]

In the name of God Amen I Archibald McNeill of the County of Cumberland and State of No Carolina, being very sick and weak in body, but of perfect mind and memory thanks be given unto God 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 hand of Almighty God who gave it and my body I recommend to the earth, to be buried in decent Christian burial at the discretion of my executors: 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 as it has pleased God to blefs me in this life, I give devise and dispose of the same in the following manner and form...
First, I constitute and ordain Duncan Ray Archd Campbell my brothers in law and Hector McNeill my brother executors of this my last well and testament and it is my wish that they after paying my funeral expenses and all my Just debts that the balance of my estate be divided agreeable to law between my wife Ann McNeill and my four children John Flora [Children of Flora Campbell McNeill] Neill and a child on the breast [Children of Ann "Nancy" Ray McNeill] who has not been baptised. In Witnefs whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal, this tenth day of August in the year of our Loerd One thousand eight hundred and twelve.

Signed in presence of us Archd McNeill {Seal}
Hector McNeill Senr
Duncan McLean
[On back] December Term 1812

Will of Archibald Little (son of Archibald Little, Senior), 1 November 1812, Robeson County
Source: Photocopy from Robeson Co. Courthouse, Lumberton, NC

read original: pg1 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2, 3

[This is the son of Archibald Little, Senior, whose will is dated 1797, above.]

State of North Carolina Robeson County In the name of God Amen. I Archibald Little of Robeson County in the State of North Carolina being at present weak and sick in body but of sound and perfect mind and memory, thanks be to God for his continued mercies, do make and declare and publish this my last will and Testament in manner and form following, viz.. Imprimis, I recomment my soul to that Almighty being from whom it had its Existance, and my body to be decently enterred at the discretion of my Executors. Item I give and bequeath to my son Duncan my plantation whereon I live with four hundred and seventy three acres of Land, with all my plantation Tools and household goods and furniture of every description, not herein after particularly bequeathed. It is my wish and intention, however, that all the property above bequeathed to my son Duncan shall be enjoyed and posfsefsed by my beloved wife Effy during her natural life or widowhood together with my negro Bob, all of which is hereby given to Duncan after my wife's death. Item, I give and bequeath to my Daughter Effy a negro girl named Hannah, and in case my said Daughter Effy shall not marry, I give and bequeath said negro girl Hannah with her increase if any, after the decease of my said daughter Effy to my sons John and Archibald, or their heirs, Item I give and bequeath to my son Archibald my still or the value thereof after my decease - also three plains - I give and bequeath to my son John one Dollar, I give and bequeath my Daughter Flora McMillan one Dollar. I give and bequeath to my Daughter Mary Evans one Dollar. I give and bequeath all my stock of Cattle to my beloved wife Effy, and my Daughter Effy with power to my said wife Effy to bequeath and distribute her part or half of said stock as may seem best to her - I hereby make constitute and ordain my son John Little and Duncan McAlpin Executors of this my Last will and Testament, revoking and declaring null and void all former wills by me made.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this first day of November and in the year of our Lord one Thousand Eight hundred and Twelve.
Signed sealed published and declared
in the presence of each other                                                                            his
John Little                                                                                      Archibald   A   Little {Seal}
Gilbert his X mark McKinzie                                                                         mark
A Little [This witness is Archibald Little who is named in the Robeson County court minutes entry as having proved this will in court. The entry, dated 25 Nov 1812, states: "The last will and testament of Archibald Little deceased proved by Archd Little Junr and John Little one of the executors thereof quallified in Open Court as such".]

Robeson County Nov Term 1812 This will was proved in open court by the oath of A Little and amited to record J McQueen

Will of Mary Perkins McPhaul, 14 December 1815, Robeson County
Source: State Archives of North Carolina, Raleigh, NC

read original: pg1 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2, 3

[Mary Perkins McPhaul had a daughter Sarah, called "Sally", who married a McNeill whose first name is currently unknown. Since Mary states in this will that she is leaving Sally's daughter Mary three cows on Linch's Creek in South Carolina, it appears possible that Sally and her husband had been living in South Carolina with their children. There is a Lynch's Creek in Lancaster County, SC; that county formed in 1785 and is just west of Chesterfield County. It also appears that Sally is dead at the writing of this will and her mother indicates this by naming "my daughter Sally heirs". Did some or all of Sally's children remove to Robeson after Sally's death? Also, they were quite well off, having eleven slaves, so it's highly likely some real property was involved — but where was it? In the 1850 Robeson County census, Lydia, named below, is living with Catherine McArthur aged 97 that year. Of particular interest is Mary's daughter Rhoda McNeill whose father no one has been able to identify; some are claiming (somehow through DNA of all things) that she was a daughter of Neill McNeill who married "Pretty Sallie" Graham, but that's pure fantasy as Rhoda is not named in his will of 1857 — unless it's through Sallie Graham. Rhoda married Archibald McCallum 27 March 1830 in Robeson County and had several children.]

In the name of God Amen I Mary McPhaul of the State of North Carolina and County of Robeson being of sound and perfect mind and memory Blefsed by God, do this the fourteenth day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and fifteen make and publish this my last will and Testament in manner following that is to say

First I give and bequeath to my son Daniel McPhaul my negroe man Jack and my negroe girl Lucie to him and his heirs for Ever,

I give and bequeath to my Daughter Cathrine McArthur my negroe Boy Stephen to her and her heirs forever

I give and Bequeath to my Daughter Sallys Heirs to wit To Mary McNeill three cows that I have on Linch's Creek South Carolina I leave and bequeath to John McNeill Sallys son Five Dollars I leave and bequeath Lydia Betsy and George W McNeill [I believe she means that Lydia and Betsy are different daughters; the original clearly shows a 'George W' but the clerk's copy does not show a 'W'] Five Dollars each to be paid them by my Executors I leave and bequeath to [her granddaughter] Rhode McNeill my negroe Girl Lydia and the first child of Lydia to be given to Mary McNeill,

I give and bequeath to my son John McPhaul my negroe man named Dick and my negroe woman Lindy and also my distillery to him and his heirs for ever

I also give and bequeath to my daughter Mary McArthur my negroe woman Fanny and her child Tim to her and her heirs for ever

I give and Bequeath to my Daughter Margaret [Torrey] my negroe boy Ben to her and her heirs for ever

I leave and bequeath to my grand Daughter Effie McPhaul Graham [daughter of John McPhaul [1770-1820] and wife Margaret Gilchrist; estate settlements touching on John McPhaul's estate records prove that Effie's second husband was Alexander Johns(t)on, a sheriff of Robeson County and a son of Daniel Johnston and Isabella Brown] my negroe Boy Simon but if Effie dies without heirs I leave and bequeath to my grand son Daniel McPhaul my son Johns son my negroe girl named Nancy _

I leave to Lydia McNeill one cow and calf

I leave to my son John McPhaul my cart and his two choice sows from among my Hogs

I also order my stocks of all kind together with my grains and household furniture to be sold and the money together with what money is in the house to be Equally divided between my children to wit Daniel McPhaul Cathrine McArthur Mary McArthur John McPhaul and Margaret Torrey [The original shows 'Torrey' but the clerk's copy shows 'Torey'] my funeral expense to be paid out of the money now in the House in the first place and the expense to be left to the discretion of my hereafter named Executors and I hereby make and ordain my beloved and worthy sons Daniel McPhaul John McPhaul and David Torrey [her son-in-law] Executors to this my last will and Testament in witnefs whereof I the said Mary McPhaul have to this my last will and Testament set my hand and seal the day and year above written _
In the presence of us
Mary her X mark McPhaul {Seal}
R. Currie [Randal Currie]
Alexr Johnson his X mark [Second husband of Effie McPhaul Graham, above mentioned]
Neill McPhaul [married the widow Margaret (née Kelly) McPhatter, daughter of Daniel Kelly]

Robeson County February Term 1816 The due Execution of this will proved in open court by the oath of Randal Currie Esq. and ordered to be recorded. J McQueen D C

Will of "Tory Neill" Brown, 27 December 1815, Robeson County
Source: Robeson County Courthouse, Lumberton, NC

read original: pg1 pg2 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2, | Photo

["Tory Neill" Brown lived in the upper section of old Robeson County, NC, which is now just inside of Hoke County. Having lived between Jobe's branch and Raft Swamp "Tory Neill" Brown was a close neighbor of Neill McNeill, Senior of Jobes Branch, who was the father of brothers "Sailor Hector" and "Shoemaker John" McNeill.]

In the name of God Amen I Neill Brown Senr. of the County of Robeson and State of North Carolina being of sound and perfect mind & memory ( blefsed be God )do this the twenty seventh day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and fifteen make & publish this my last will and testament in manner following that is to say. First I give and bequeath unto my beloved son Neill the plantation whereon I now live & all the lands adoining it with their improvements The land lie between Jobe's Branch and the Raft Swamp containing in all seven hundred and fifteen acres: I also give and bequeath unto him my negro fellow Jim with all the money remaining in the house I also give and bequeath unto him stock of horses hogs sheep and cattle with all my stuff farming utensils and tools household furniture with every other article with every improvement. I give and bequeath unto my beloved son Duncan the plantation on which he is now living containing two hundred acres of Land lying on the south side of McPhauls Mill swamp below Daniel McNeills: I also give and bequeath unto him my negro wench Bet with all her increase after my death to be pofsefsed by him during his life after his death I will that she and her ifsue (if any) be equally divided among his children: Unto my beloved son John I give and bequeath my negro boy Ette. Unto my beloved son Peter I give and bequeath my negro boy Joe; unto my beloved son Archibald I give and bequeath the negro boy Tom now in his pofsefsion & for whom I have never given a bill of sale: Unto my beloved grandson Neill Washington the child of my son Daniel (dec'd) I give and bequeath the negro boy Cuff. Unto my beloved daughter Mary I give and bequeath my negro woman Moll. Unto my beloved daughter Isabel I give and bequeath my negro girl Chaney during her lifetime only; should Chaney have children I will the first child to my daughter Mary; the next succeeding children of Chaney I will to the heirs of my daughter Isabel by John Currie untill each of them shall have one apiece after which I will that she (Chaney) and her remaining children should she have any be equally divided amongst the heirs of Daniel Johnston dec'd. [Daniel Johnston was Isabel's first husband.] I further ordain my beloved son Neill executor of this my last will and testament. In witnefs whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above written. Signed sealed published and declared in the presence of us who were present at the time of signing and sealing of this the last will and testament of Neill Brown Senr.
R Currie                                                              his
John McPhaul                                              Neill + Brown
Niell McPhaul                                                  mark

Robeson County February Term 1819 The due execution of this will was proved in open court by the oath of Randal Currie and ordered to be recorded JMcQueen DC

Will of Margaret McNeill, 7 March 1818, Robeson County
Source: Photocopy from Robeson County Courthouse, Lumberton, NC

read original: pg1 pg2 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: x, x,

[This Margaret McNeill, widow of Daniel McNeill of Robeson County, was a daughter of Alexander McKay, Jr. of Cumberland County. She was related in some way to Neill McNeill of Long Swamp, likely a sister of his wife. More research is needed. Rosa Stafford, John McNeill and Lauchlin McNeill all moved to Marion District, SC, and, along with the children of Neill McNeill of Long Swamp, were all heirs of Nancy Hair of Cumberland Co., NC (see three deeds all dated 1836 at the link). Nancy Hair was the wife of Daniel Hair of Cumberland.]

In the name of God Amen I Margaret McNeill of the County of Robeson and State of North Carolina being of sound and perfect mind and memory blefsed be God for the same; do this seventh day of March in the year of Our Lord eighteen hundred and eighteen make my last will and testament in manner and form following: To Wit, first I give and bequeath to my daughter Mary Smith my negro boy Champion to her and to her heirs born of her body forever but my will exprefsly is that if the said Mary Smith should have no Ifsue born of her body to survive her then the said negro Champion shall go to my grandson Daniel McNeill son of Neill McNeill to him and his heirs forever; but whatever other property I may have given to the said Mary Smith it shall remain to her and her lawful heirs. Next I give my grandson Alexander McNeill son of John McNeill two hundred and fifty acres of Land in the County of Robeson including the plantation whereon I now live with all the appurtenances to the said two hundred and fifty acres belonging the same being in two separate surveys_ I give to the said Alexander McNeill my negro girl Dolly and her increase forever; But my will exprefsly is that if my son John should have any other children either male or female besides Alexander herein named, then all the property hereby divised to the said Alexander shall be equally divided among his brothers and sisters and shall remain to each of them and their heirs forever but should there be no such brothers and sisters then the land and negro Dolly as above shall remain to Alexander and his heirs forever. Next I give to my son Lauchlin my negro girl Betty provided I do not sell the said Betty before my demise; and in case I do sell her I give to my said son Lauchlin in lieu of her five hundred and fifty dollars in cash to be paid to him out of any money that may remain or be made by the sale of such property as is not divised in the will. Next my will is that all property of any kid not mentioned in this will which I may at any time hereafter give to any person may remain to whomsoever I may [this copy of the will is cut off here and a line or two is lost] One fifth part to my daughter Rosa Stafford and her children one fifth to my daughter Mary Smith, one fifth to my son John and one fifth to my son Lauchlin, and one fifth to Catharine McNeill to them and their heirs forever, and I hereby ordain my trusty friends Sion Alford and James McQueen executors to this my last will and testament. In witnefs whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year first above written.
Sealed signed published and declared by Marg McNeill the testator to be her last will and testament in presence of us who witnefsed the same
Warren Alford
Katharine McKay                                                                            her
Susanna Alford                                                                        Marg X McNeill {Seal}
                                                                                                      mark

Will of John Stewart, 1818, Robeson County
Source: Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, NC

read original: pg1 pg2 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: x, x,

[What an interesting will. The witness, Thomas Davis, was given the will for safekeeping and he lost it. Unable to find it he reconstructed it from memory. The will has no day or month but it is given a year, 1818.]

I John Stewart of the County of Robeson, and State of North Carolina, being of sound mind & memory, considering the uncertainty of the present life, do make and constitute this my last Will and Testament in manner and forms, following. Viz.
First, I give and bequeath to my Son John the plantation & land whereon I live, consisting of Two hundred & fifty acres after the death of his mother
Item, To my Son Turquil I give five dollars.
Item. To my daughter Elizabeth I give five dollars.
Item. To my daughter Margaret I give one dollar.
Item. To my Beloved wife Margaret I give all the Residue of my Estate during her natural life, then said Residue to be equally divided among my heir. My trusty friend Andrew Sinclair and my Son John Stewart I hereby make and appoint my Sole Executors, to this my last Will and Testament In Witnefs whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this ---- day of ------ 1818
Signed and Sealed
in presence of John Stewart {Seal}
Thomas Davis
John McPherson [son of Alexander McPherson and Emily McGill and brother to Colin McPherson of Cumberland County.]

I Thomas Davis maketh oath that sometime in the year eighteen hundred and eighteen I attested a will then made by John Stuart late of Robeson County at which time I saw the Testator John Stuart sign and seal the seal and that I attested the said instrument in the presence of the Testator and I believed him sound and disposing memory. That the said Will after its execution was committed to my custody, that I have made diligent search for the same and have failed to find it and that I believe it to be lost or ~~mislaid~~ that the said will was written by myself that I believe the above to be in substance an exact copy _
Sworn to before me 25 Nov 1821
Rich C Bunting Clk Thomas Davis

I John McPherson maketh oath that in the summer of fall of the year one thousand eight hundred eighteen I attested a will of real and personal property duly published declared and executed by John Stuart late of Robeson County that I saw the Testator sign & seal the same & that I attested it as a Witnefs in his presence that I believe he was of sound and disposing memory at the time and that I believe the above Statement a true copy in substance
Sworn to me 26 Nov 1821
Rich C Bunting Clk

[Thomas Davis and John McPherson were friends in Cumberland County, and lived near one another in the Rockfish region there. John, around age 50, married the 20-year-old Sallie Black by whom he had four children. He died in 1829 with considerable estate leaving a youngish widow with four orphans. In 1833, however, Sallie became pregnant and promptly left the region for Lauderdale County, Mississippi territory. Thomas Davis ended up in the same county by the 1840s. Sallie's son was named Thomas D. McPherson....]

Will of Jean (or Jane) McAuslen, January 1814, Cumberland County
Source: Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, NC

read original: pg1 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2,

[Jean McAuslen was the granddaughter of "Squire Daniel" McNeill of Taynish and Tweedside. Her maiden name was Dubois, and she was the daughter of John Dubois and Jean McNeill (Daniel's daughter) who lived in Wilmington, NC. Jean McAuslen's first husband, Colonel Thomas Rutherford of Continental Army fame, inherited Tweedside from his deceased brother James; these two brothers together had bought it from Daniel McNeill in 1754. Jean had been a friend of Flora McDonald and once, when noticing a painting of a woman other than Flora saving Bonnie Prince Charlie, she remarked that it should be turned to the wall. She appears to have married Colonel Rutherford about 1780 and he died very shortly after in late 1781 (Did he die in the Revolution?). Jean made her second marriage to Archibald Sim(p)son in 1784 and he died later in the year as is proved by his Cumberland County estate record. In 1795 Duncan MacAuslan became Jean's third husband. This is how Daniel McNeill's Tweedside ended up in the Sim(p)son and McAuslan families' hands. Duncan expanded the lands of Tweedside on its north side, but in 1803 Jane and Duncan McAuslan sold Tweedside to George Elliott; beyond this date I have not researched the fate of the lands of "Squire Daniel" McNeill's Tweedside.]

In the name of God Amen I Jane McAuslan of the Town of Fayetteville and State of North Carolina being of proper mind and memory calling unto mind the Mortality of the body and knowing that it is appointed for all once to die, do make and ordain this my last will and Testament, and to this end constitute make and ordain and appoint Mr. John McAuslen of Wilmington and Mr. Hugh McLean of Moore County, and both of this State Executors of my last will and Testament comprising the whole of my Estate real and personal _

In the first place I give and bequeath to Margt Mafsey Fitzgerald daughter of Thomas Fitzgerald of Wilmington a negro Girl named Henrietta daughter of Bell for her and her heirs forever.

2ndly I give and bequeath to Mrs Mary Ray a Negro Girl named Susannah and all her increase that may come from her body together with a feather bed and bed steds half dozen windsor chairs two pair sheets a table and bed quilt half a dozen white and blue china cups and saucers, half a dozen silver tea spoons and an old tea tongs, all this I give her from a sence of gratitude and for her attachment to me _

3rdly I give and bequeath to Duncan McAuslan son of John McAuslen of Wilmington my Executor One half dozen silver table spoons and a pair of gold Sleeve buttons marked D M _

4thly I give and bequeath to Margaret Broadfoot a round tea table, a china bowl and a china tea pot _

5thly I give and bequeath to Mrs Margaret Saggy formerly Mifs Simpson half dozen silver tea spoons a pair sugar tongs, and a pair silver salt shovels to be put in the care of Mrs James Mumford

10thly I give and bequeath unto Hugh McLean one of my Executors all lots and lands I now hold in pofsefsion with all the Houses and improvements thereon for himself and his Heirs forever, also one negro Boy of the name of Edinburgh [Edinburgh survived until at least until 1823 when he was bequeathed in the will of Sarah Hand of Moore County, NC, to William McLean, son of Hugh and Sally McLean.]-

7thly I request my Executors to dispose of all my negroes that I have not herein mentioned and who belong to me, to be sold together with all the rest of my personal property, and after my just debts are paid out of the pounds of that sale, the balance to be equally divided between my Executor Hugh McLean and Duncan McAuslan aforementioned

8thly I request my Executors to have a due regard to the pailing [type of railing] in of Mr McAuslans ~~grave~~ Tomb and that of Tweedside with the Erecting a Tomb Stone over Mr McAuslans grave which is to be deducted from the sales of my property ["Mr McAuslan" was likely Duncan McAuslan, her third husband.]-

9thly I do hereby utterly disallow revoke and disannull all and every other former Testaments wills legacies and bequests by me in in any ways before named willed and bequeathed, ratifying and Confirming this and no other to be my last will and Testament

In witnefs whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this the twenty ninth day of January One thousand eight hundred and fourteen        Jany 29th 1814
In presence of
Benj Robeson                                                Test Robinson Mumford CC
                                                                             Jean McAuslan {Seal}

My Executors will please let Mifs Jane Sutherland have a set of china tea ware which I have always intended for her

Will of James McEachern, 9 August 1815, Sumter District, SC
Source: Department of Archives and History, Columbia, SC

read original: pg1 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1 |

[James McEachern was the son of Daniel McEachern and his second wife who was a McNeill and whose first name has been lost. In his will below James names his uncle Duncan McNeill of "Robinson county, North Carolina." There is no "Robinson" County in NC, but there is Robeson County (my home county), and James undoubtedly meant Robeson as his father and mother lived and died there. Duncan McNeill of Robeson County had only three sisters—Marion, Margaret and Mary—but neither of them married McEacherns and each was married by 1789 to the same husband they had throughout their lives. Therefore, James's mother had to have been a sister of his uncle Duncan's wife, Margaret McNeill, who was a daughter of James McNeill of Rockfish Creek and his wife Elizabeth McNeill. James and Elizabeth of Rockfish had nine daughters, only six of which have been positively identified, married or unmarried. Moreover, there was a John McEachern in James McNeill's will of 1801 who was bequeathed 30 dollars, the same amount left to all his nine daughters; also, a Flora McEachern was a witness to the will.]

I, James McEachern, resident of Sumpter District, State of South Carolina, do hereby make my last will and testament. It is my wish and desire that my Uncle Duncan McNeill of roberson county, State of North Carolina [This can only be one man, "Long Duncan" McNeill of Robeson County, NC.], should after my discease collect all my accounts, notes etc, and pay out of them whatever lawful debts should appear against my estate. Should the accounts, notes of which I may have against any person or persons be more when collected than will pay my just debts, I desire that the overplus of the money should be equally divided among my wife and three children [His wife was Rebecca Allen, who had a brother named Ezra Allen. After James died in 1815, Rebecca remarried to a Stuckey and did so by 1826. James's and Rebecca's children were William McEachern, James McEachern, and Daniel Augustus McEachern, each named in James's estate records as his sons.]: but should the money arising from my accounts, notes AC when collected not be enough to discharge my lawful debts, It is my wish that such a part of my other property as my Uncle Duncan McNeill shall judge best be sold and appropriated to that use. Whatever property there shall be remaining after all my debts are paid, It is my wish that the same should be appraised and equally distributed among my family viz my wife and three children. It is my desire that my wife should have as a part of my estate that may fall to her share my Negro woman Linia. Should the Negro woman on valuation be found to be more than the proportion of my estate that may fall to my wife, when equally divided between herself and three children, my wife is to make up the deficiency on the part of my three children, so that they all possess an equal part. It is my wish and desire that my wife should possess the Negro woman Linia and whatever other property may fall to her share, during her natural life, but at her discease, the Negro woman Linia, her increase and whatever other property she may have as her equal share of my estate, should return to my children and be equally divided among them. I appoint my Uncle Duncan McNeill my executor, witness my hand and seal, this ninth day of August, the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifteen.
Signed, Sealed and Delivered
in presence of James McEachern {SEAL}
James Atkinson
William Watson
South Carolina Sumter District} By William Potts Esq Ordinary of the District aforesaid
Personally appeared before me James Atkinson who being duly sworn on the Holy Evangelist or Almightly God doth make oath and say that he saw James McEachern sign seal and declare the same to be and contain his last will and testament that he the said James McEachern was then of sound and disposing mind, memory, and understanding to the best of his knowledge and belief and the he the said James Atkinson signed his name as a witnefs there to at th request of the testator in his presence and that he also saw Willm Watson sign his name (with him) as witnefs
James Atkinson
sworn before me this first day of January 1816
Willm Potts L U.} At same time qualified Rebecka McEachern Adminstratrix [Rebecca Allen McEachern, James's wife]; on administration of the goods and chattels and credits (with the will annexed) of siad James McEachern deceased. Willm Potts L U

(Recorded in Will Book A A Page 1)(Recorded January 1st, 1816) Willm Potts Ord S.D. Bundle 66 I k_e 8

Will of Katherine Campbell, 12 September 1819, Robeson County
Source: Robeson County Courthouse, Lumberton, NC

read original: pg1 pg2 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2,

[This Catherine Campbell was the daughter of Old John McPherson of the Argyll Colony. Her first husband was John Patterson of Cumberland County who died there in 1769. Shortly afterwards, Catherine married a Campbell, and several Bladen, Robeson and Cumberland County deeds and one letter altogether prove my claim that his name was Archibald Campbell, the son of Duncan and Christian Smith Campbell of Burnt Swamp area below Philadelphus in Robeson County, NC. In this will Catherine names all her daughters except Mary who is dead at the writing of her will, but who was named in her father John Patterson's will of 1769 in Cumberland County. It is believed Mary married Neill Little of Shoeheel in Robeson; she is the only missing link---and the most logical one--that connects these Littles of Shoeheel to this Catherine Campbell. (The Duncan McFarland family of Richmond County also had connections to Neill Little: Duncan McFarland was stated as Neill's brother-in-law several times in the John P. Little estate of 1835.) In her will Catherine Campbell also named a Catherine Wilkinson but did not state her relationship to her; John Little named in the will is Catherine Wilkinson's brother and was judged to have been so in the 1835 estate of John P. Little. Catherine Wilkinson, a daughter of Neill and Mary Patterson Little and sister of John P. Little, was Catherine Campbell's granddaughter, thus John Little (John P. Little) was a grandson.]

In the name of God Amen. I, Katharine Campbell of the county of Robeson being of sound and perfect mind and memory (blessed be God) do this twelfth of September in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and nineteen make and publish this my last will and testament in manner following, viz:

First. I give and bequeath to my son John Campbell [This is John Campbell of Campbells Bridge. In 1843, John was summoned for his deposition in the 1835 estate settlement of John P. Little, a three-year legal proceeding.] all my cattle now in his possession and a negro girl named Susay for his life time then to his son Hugh if he is alive. [Hugh was a three-and-one-half-foot "dwarf", according to the 1850 census.]

Second. I give and bequeath to my Daughter Flora all my Cattle in her possession and a negro girl by the name of Liday Junr.

Third. I also bequeath to my son Daniel Paterson and my Daughter Marran Watson and Kathrine Wilkison an equal share of old Liday and Judy. [Careful readings of this will's original and the county clerk's copies reveals she wrote "my daughter", not "my daughters". Marran Watson (believed to have been the Sarah Watson buried at the Watson cemetery near Alma who died in 1831), was Catherine Campbell's daughter and Kathrine Wilkeson (Catherine Wilkinson in county records) was Catherine Campbell's granddaughter. Several deeds of old Bladen and Robeson counties show that the Daniel Patterson here was the Daniel Patterson who became what one 20th-century researcher called the "Beaverdam Patterson" family. This Daniel Patterson married Catherine Malloy and settled near the Malloys and the Turquill McNeill family in the far western corner of Cumberland County.]

Fourth. I give and bequeath to my Daughter Effy MacLain - Five Dollars and to John Little the same. [This Effy McLain has never been discovered and does not fit into any of the several early and later Effie McLeans/McLains of her time. The 'John Little' named here was a son of Neill Little and Mary Patterson, and appears in later records as John P. Little. He died in 1835. His name change may have become necessary to assist in identifying him in his official capacity in the Robeson County court system where a man of his apparent stature and judgement were respected. He became a man of learning and considerable estate in the Shoeheel area of Robeson. Evidence points to Mary Patterson having been Neill's first wife. Mary was Catherine Campbell's daughter by her first husband John Patterson, and she is not listed in this will as she was certainly dead at the time of its writing; Neill remarried in Petersburg, Virginia a decade or so before 1819. This John Little could have been a son of Duncan Little, whose wife's name has not been known up to this time, and who had a son John Little who married into the Gilchrist/McPherson family. The children of Duncan's son John had names that match their grandparents' names if Duncan Little married Mary Patterson.]

Fifth. I bequeath to my Grand Son Archd Campbell my mear and Colts forever.

Sixth. I also bequeath to my son John Campbell and Marran Watson two feather beds both equal in Value. That is unto each and all the rest of the bed clothes to be equally divided between Marran Watson, John Campbell and Flora MacPhaul.

After my funeral expenses is paid all the money remaining and notes due to me I give and bequeath to my son John Campbell and my Daughter Flora MacPhaul [Flora is known to have been a Patterson before her marriage to Daniel McPhaul, Sr., according to McPhaul family history. Flora was stated in Daniel McPhaul's estate record to have been the half-sister of John Campbell of this will.] to be divided equally between them.

I hereby make and ordain my son John Campbell and Daniel MacPhaull Sr Executors of this my last will and Testament In witness whereof I the said Katharine Campbell have to this my last will and Testament set my hand and seal the day and year first written—

xxxxxxxxher
KatharinexXxCampbell
xxxxxxxmark

witnesses:
Archd Gilchrist
John Hughes [Likely the same John Hughes who married c.1835 to Effie Gilchrist, daughter of Gilbert Gilchrist.]

Robeson county May Term 1823
This will was proved in Open Court by the oath of Archibald Gilchrist Esq and ordered to be Recorded.

Will of James Ferguson, Senior, 19 July 1820, Robeson County, NC
Source: Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, NC

read original: pg1 pg2 pG3 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2, 3 | Photo

[James's wife left an undated will probated 1837 in Robeson County and in the will she is named Sarah. Sarah's name in earlier documents (see Related Deed #1 above) is Marrin McNeill; "Marron" or "Marion" being the gaelic form of the English "Sarah." Among the Scots immigrants in the Cape Fear region the evolution of the name "Marion" to "Sarah" in a single individual of that name has precedents: two are found in the records of both the John McPherson and James Watson families of Robeson County. I am researching the Watson family in question and currently have no link to the instance.]

In the name of God Amen. I, James Ferguson Senior of the County of Robeson in the State of North Carolina, being of Sound mind and memory _ but weak in Body, & knowing it to be the lot of all mortals to depart from their Terrestrial abode; do make and proclaim this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following (Viz)

In Primis, I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife [Marrin, later called Sarah, see note above] and my three daughters Viz Margaret, Katherine and Sarah, all that part of my plantation Lands, that lyeth below Angus Loves & Jno. Curries land, & above the following line - Beginning at the Beginning corner of a fifty acres survey by the Cypress pond, East of Robeson's Bay from thence a direct line to a post oak the corner of another 50 acres survey, near the So Wt Side of Lowry's Swamp thence in a Southerly direction to a Pofsimon near the north end of the Lane thence Southardly, nearly the course of the Lane pafsing by a Post Oak, near the middle of the plantation to a post oak, standing in the yard nearby the dwelling houses; thence still southwardly: So as to include the new house & the house generally denominated McGills house to the path leading from the Brick Kiln to Angus Love's thence along that path to Curries line; thence as Curries & Loves lines round to the Beginning with all and every the appurtenances thereunto belonging to be held in common jointly and severally, by my Legatees aforesaid, for and during the longest lifetime of them or either of them with the following exceptions (Viz) Should my Daughters aforesaid; or either of them, marry, then and in that case, their Legacy - or either of their Legatees, in the foregoing Tenements, shall thence forward cease, and in lieu thereof shall hold pofsefs and enjoy for themselves their heirs and afsigns forever, seperately and individually, one hundred acres of a Body or tract of Land containing three hundred acres lying on the waters of Buffalo creek below MacNeills old mill [the lands of the family of Turquill McNeill and his sons Laughlin and "Long Duncan" who both lived on and around Buffalo Creek] - Providing notwithstanding that should the Husband of either of them die, & not leave, a sufficiency of Landed property for a support; then the right of them or either of them in the foregoing premises shall be renewed, & be enjoyed and pofsefsed in the same manner as if a marriage had never taken place.

Item I give and bequeath to my dearly beloved wife, & Sarah my youngest Daughter my negroe fellow Robin & negro woman Judy to them their heirs and asigns forever (that is) to the heirs and afsigns of the survivor of them

Item I give and bequeath to my Daughters Margaret and Katherine, my negroe woman Rhoda, & her son Samson their Heirs and afsigns forever.

Item I give and bequeath to my four grandchildren (Viz) James MacGill, Nancy MacGill, Neill MacGill, & Sarah MacGill, forty dollars each, to be paid to them their heirs or afsigns, as they respectively arrive at full age to receive the same [These McGill children are the issue of James and Marrin McNeill Ferguson's daughter Mary Ferguson and her husband Archibald McGill of Robeson County.]

Item I give and bequeath to my Son Neill, my negro girl Wealthy, as also all my lands of whatever quantity or description that is not mentioned in the first clause of this my last will and testament; Likewise my plantation lands in that clause specified after the Death or intermarriage of all the Legatees, as therein particularly stated; as well as the Lands on the waters of Buffalo, should not my Daughters or either of them ever be married, to him his heirs and afsigns forever.

Item I give and bequeath in common to my beloved wife, & my four children (Viz) Neill, Margaret, Katherine, and Sarah my stocks of every description; Household furniture, farming Eutensils &, and all and every, my other property not herein particularly enumerated, after paying all my just Debts & paying out of the same the foregoing sums bequeathed to Archibald MacGill & my four grandchildren aforesaid; should however either of them marry or otherwise remove then & in that case the proportionate part of such, of the stocks, shall be divided out, & given to them or either of them, which dividend shall belong seperately to them, or either of them their Heirs and afsigns forever -

I constitute nominate and appoint my Son Neill & my brother in Law Duncan MacNeill Executor of this my last will & Testament [This was "Long Duncan" McNeill, Marrin/Sarah's brother.]

In Testimony Whereof I hereunto Set my hand and affix my Seal the 19th day of July 1820

Signed Sealed & ExecutedxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxJames ferguson {Seal}
in presence of
A Gilchrist
Angus Love

Last will & Testament of James Ferguson Senr 1820 Recorded in Will Book A of Robeson County page 347 pursuant to order of court May Term 1838 Jas Storm DC

Will of Margaret McNeill, 1 December 1821, Cumberland County, NC
Source: Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, NC

[This Margaret McNeill is believed to have been the widow of Neill McNeill, Jr., who lived on Upper Little River; this Neill's wife is said to have been Margaret Ferguson. Neill McNeill, Jr., was a son of Neill McNeill of Upper Little River (second husband of the widow Jane Campbell McNeill) who died in Robeson County, NC, around 1808. Or, it is just as likely that this Margaret was the wife of Hector McNeill of Lower Little River who died in 1842; however, married women usually did not make a will unless they were widows with property.]

In the name of God - I Margaret McNeill of the County of Cumberland and State of North Carolina, at present of sound mind and memory, and observing how liable mankind in general are to be cut of short of their lives, I will and List as follows viz. I leave I give and bequeath to my three Daughters fifty acres of land where on I now live with all my stock of every kind horse and cart househould and kitchen furniture with the plantation tools of every description and said daughters Mary Catherine and Sarah McNeill is to pay all my debts I leave I give to my son Hector McNeill and the heirs of my son Archibald to wit John Flora and Neill McNeill one hundred acres of land lying between the Juniper branch and Walkers Creek -
I nominate and appoint my Daughter Mary McNeill Executor to this my last will and testament in witnefs whereof I set my hand and seal this the first day of December 1821

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxMargaret <her X mark> McNeill
Test John McPhail
James Ferguson

[on back] June Term 1822

Will of Daniel Matthews, 9 November 1822, Robeson County, NC
Source: Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, NC

read original: pg1 pg2 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2, 3

[This James McNeill is James McNeill of Canada who prior to the date of this will had been married twice, once to a woman in Quebec, Canada. James migrated to Robeson County about 1791 and soon married Elizabeth McNeill the daughter of William McNeill and wife Jane Campbell McNeill. Elizabeth had several children and died sometime after the birth of her last child in 1812. James then married the widow of Alexander Patterson who died in 1815, Mrs. Sarah Matthews Patterson who by this will is shown to have been the daughter of Daniel Matthews. James McNeill, a schoolmaster and a longtime Justice of Robeson County Court, was appointed sole executor to this will. James and Sarah had three children. She died a few years after this will. James married a fourth time to Mary Banter and soon moved to Alachua County, FL where he died in 1845. James and Mary had no children.]

In the name of God Amen - I Daniel Matthews of Robeson County and State of North Carolina, being weak of Body, but of Sound and Perfect mind and memory, Do this day publish and declare this as my last Will&Testament in manner and form following Viz -
first I give and bequeath unto my son Neill Two hundred & Sixty acres of land, Situated on N.E. side of the Great Marsh whereon my plantation lies, and the House with the stock of Cattle Hogs and Sheep - But out of this I will and ordain that he will support his Mother and Sister Nancy in a decent manner, and likewise the Debts must also be satisfied and paid out of said stock, as my Executor sees fit and just -- I want the House to remain Common property in the family to afsist their support, and not for one particular person
2nd I further order that my son Daniel have Fifty acres more or lefs joining the above lands, and that my Executors will make him a Title for the same hereafter when the think it Convenient --
3rd - I give and bequeath unto my son Duncan Fifty Acres joining the above and a mare Colt to be equally the property of my sons Daniel and Duncan
4th - I also ordain that my sons Malcom and Hugh Mathews my daughters Margaret Galbreath, Sarah McNeill M. Currie [Only the letter 'M.' was in the original will.] and Flora Galbreath each to receive one Dollar from my Executors --
I hereby constitute and appoint my son in Law James McNeill to be sole Executor of this my Last Will & Testament
In Witnefs Whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this 9th day of November 1822
In presence of us                 her                                      his
John Sinclair       Margaret X Mathews            Daniel X Matthews {Seal}
Abram Brown                    mark                                   mark

Will of Jennet McNeill, 5 April 1823, Cumberland County
Source: Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, NC

read original: pg1 pg2 pg2 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2, 3 | Photo

[This is the widow of Malcolm McNeill, son of "Scribbling Archie" McNeill.]

In the name of God Amen
I Jennet McNeill of the County of Cumberland and State of North Carolina being weak in Body but of sound and perfect mind and memory Blefsed be the almighty God for the same do make and publish this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following Viz I give and bequeath to my Grandson Malcom McNeill (son of Coll McNeill) a Negroe boy Cato to him his Heirs and afsigns for ever -
Item 2 I give and bequeath to my Grand Daughter Jennet McNeill (daughter of Coll McNeill) a Negroe woman Chloe with a Bed and furniture to her her Heirs and afsigns for ever
Item 3 I give and bequeath to my Grand son Neill McNeill (son of Coll McNeill) a negroe boy Jack to him his Heirs & afsigns for ever
Item 4 The refsidue of my estate (after the just demands are settled) to be equally divided among my children Viz Coll McNeill John McNeill Jennet Atkins Ifsabella Atkins & Flora McKay _ and I hereby constitute and appoint my son John McNeill & my Grand son Malcom McNeill Executors of this my last Will and Testament in witnefs whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this fifth day of Apr.l AD 1823 _

Signed seald published and
declared by the above named Jennet McNeill her x mark {Seal}
Jennet McNeill to be her last
Will and Testament }
In presence of us
Flora McKay
Isabella Atkins
Jennet Atkins
Neill McKay

Malcolm McNeill qualified

Admitted to probate December Term 1823

Will of Margaret McNeill, 23 June 1828, Cumberland County, NC
Source: Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, NC

[This Margaret McNeill (1758-1829) was the widow of "Skeroblin John" McNeill, and daughter of "Archibald Bahn" McNeill and wife Jennet "Jennie Bhan" Smith McNeill. The nuncupative will of Laughlin McNeill, Margaret's brother who died in 1795, indicates that Skeroblin John's father was a John McNeill.]

I Margaret McNeill of Cumberland County and State of North Carolina, considering myself in extreme bad health, and not knowing how soon I may be called from time to Eternity, and feeling anxious that my worldly business should be settled during my own life time – I do, for that purpose hereby apportion and devise my Estate in the following manner.(viz)
I give and bequeath to my Daughter Isabella my negro woman Jane and her child Caesar – which negroes, if Isabella should die and leave no lawful heir of her body I order to be the property of my son Archd’s children. I also give and devise unto my Daughter Isabella, a negro boy named Meridith also my two mules, all my stock of hogs, my secretary or writing desk, and three beds and furniture all of which is free of any incumbrance and at her disposal alone.
– I give and devise unto my Daughter Jannet a negro man commonly called new negro Jack, also one hundred Dollars in money which is to be paid unto said Jannet by my Daughters Isabella & Mary, within two years of the date.
– I bequeath unto my son Archd the sum of fifty cents.
– I give and devise unto my Daughter Mary a negro girl named Candace and a boy named Nelson also one half of the McCraine lands which is my part of the same which property, provided Mary should die and have no lawful heir of her body, I order shall be given unto the children of my son Archd.
– I also devise to my daughter Mary three beds and a farm there not subject to any provission whatever
– I give and bequeath to my Daughter Nancy a negro girl named Charity, and one bed and furniture for her own use and benefit forever
– I give and devise unto my Daughter Margaret two negro girls named Mary and Maria which negroes after her Death I order to be the property of the lawful heirs of her body
– I give and devise unto my daughters Isabella and Mary jointly a four negroes, named Sharper, Meridith, Duane, and David also a piece of land containing fifty acres, and being a part of a tract of land containing 640 acres entered by Patterson in the year 1740. Also the tract of land on which my dwelling house stands, which property, both lands, and negroes, after the death of Isabella and Mary, I give and bequeath in the following manner – (viz) The above mentioned tract or parcel of land I order to be the property of my two Grand sons Robert Alexander and David Lauchland McNeill.
– The four negroes above named I give and bequeath unto the children of my son Archd
– I give unto my Daughters Isabella, Margaret and Mary jointly, all my interest in the lands on Jones’ Creek and black River. I also give unto my Daughters Isabella, Margaret and Mary jointly all my stock of cattle – I give and bequeath unto my Daughters Isabella and Nancy a negro woman named Ferrah for their own and entire use.
– I give and bequeath to my Grand Son Neill Archibald McNeill my large Map of the world by Arrowsmith
– I give and bequeath to my Grand Son John Daniel McNeill my silver watch
– I give and devise to my Daughters Isabella and Mary my household & kitchen furniture. It is my will that all my just debts should be satisfied by the proceeds of the cotton which is no on hand being twenty one bales in quantity & by the avails of my present growing crop – Should the above named property be insufficient to satisfy all my just debts it is my wish that the balance should be satisfied by the sale of my cattle
– I give & devise to my Daughters Isabella & my Mary my Gig and harness – also all my farming utensils.

I hereby make and appoint my son-in-law Duncan McAlpin and my nephew Archd L McNeill Executors – or whichever of the two survive the other, sole Executor of this my last will and testament.

– Part of the thirteenth and fourteenth lines on first page erased and the ninth line on page second interlined before signing –

Signed this 23d June A.D. 1828 in presence of us
Witness
Henry M. Turner Margaret McNeill
John McNeill Stewart
D. McAlpin (Qualified)

Will of "Danold" McNeill, 28 October 1828, Cumberland County
Source: Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, NC

read original: pg1 pg2 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2, 3

[This Daniel McNeill is the son of James McNeill of Rockfish Creek and his wife Elizabeth. Daniel signed his name "Danold" in all of his transactions including his will and within records of his mother's 1814 estate.]

I, Daniel McNeill of the State of North Carolina, Cumberland County, do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following, viz:

I give and bequeath to my dear daughter Isabela McNeill [born 18 Oct 1811; married Archibald C. Currie in 1833, died 22 Feb 1880 in Kemper Co., Mississippi] one negro girl named Hariet.

I give and bequeath to my daughter Mary McNeill a girl named Katy.

I give and bequeath to my daughter Flory McNeill another girl named Martha. [Flora Ann McNeill (ca. 1825 - ca. 1863, married William J. Hueston in Madison County, Mississippi in 1845.]

And also to my daughter Margaret Jain McNeill a negro girl named Aliza. [Margaret Jane McNeill (ca. 1817 - June 1849), married George B. Granberry in Madison County, Mississippi in 1845.]

And to my daughter Barbara McNeill a negro girl named Mary. [Barbara P. McNeill, born before 1828, died 1892 at Moss Neck in Robeson County; was living with brother Archibald McNeill in 1880 census of Robeson Co., NC. Archibald's 1881 will says "Barbary McOftes" was his sister. Barbara is written about in the book, "The Uncompromising Diary of Sallie McNeill" by Ginny McNeill Raska.]

And I also will and bequeath to my dear beloved wife Elizabeth McNeill [sister of "Billy Ghar" McNeill and daughter of "Archie Ghar" McNeill and Barbara Patterson] and two sons James McNeill [James Henry McNeill, eldest boy, born 1812 and died in Mississippi in 1866, married Minerva Armstrong in 1859 Memphis, Tenn.] and Archibald McNeill [died unmarried 1881 in Robeson Co., NC, near Moss Neck.] and an infant unborn [infant unborn is said to have been D.M. McNeill, sex of child unknown, and died unmarried in 1848.] nine hundred and seventy-eight acres of land being and lying in the County of Cumberland & including the house and plantation I live now on and a gris[t] mill, also three hundred acres in the County of Robeson lying on the south west side of Great Rockfish, and also bequeath to my wife and foresaid sons and infant, a negro man named Jack, a negro woman named Harrah and one named Prissy, and a girl named Cate and also two boys, one named Frank and one named Bruce, My stock of horses, catel, sheep, and hogs to the common use of the family. My household furniture I leave to the descresion of my wife Elizabeth to use as she thinks proper.

I also ordain and request that my daughters all have the living of the said plantation until they marry.

I also ordain and request that all lawful debts shall be paid out of the estate and all debts due to be collected.

I nominate and appoint my wife Elizabeth with W.C. McNeill ["Billy Ghar" McNeill] and Duncan McNeill Senior ["Long Duncan" McNeill] to be executors to this my last will and testament hereby revoking all other former wills by me at any time heretofore made.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this the 28th of October in the year of our Lord 1828.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxDanold McNeill {Seal} [This Daniel McNeill always signed his name "Danold"]

Signed sealed and published and declared by the said testators Daniel McNeill as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us who have subscribed our names as witnesses thereto in the presence of the said testator.
John McDuffie
Malcolm Gillis [Malcolm B. Gillis, believed to have been husband of Elizabeth Wilkinson who was granddaughter of "Long Duncan" McNeill]
William Wilkinson [Husband of Anna Elizabeth McNeill, daughter of "Long Duncan" McNeill]

Dec Term, 1828 The above will was proved by John McDuffie and Wm. Wilkinson & ordered to be recorded.

Will of Neill McNeill ("the lost generation") of Jobes Branch, 26 August 1831, Robeson County
Source: Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, NC

read original: pg1 pg2 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2, | Photo

[This Neill McNeill was the son of "Shoemaker John" McNeill and his wife Mary Peterson McNeill. According to genealogical charts made from information given to my brother by Walter McNeill (deceased) of Red Springs, NC, this Neill McNeill had an elder son named John who was blind, and thus nicknamed "Blind John" McNeill. "Blind John" probably died before the date of this will. Also, in the 1790 will of Mary McNeill, above, the slaves Phoebe (Fibbey), Peggy and Sam (in bold below) are left to her daughters Janet and Catherine, but by 1831, the year of their brother Neill's will, they appear to be in his possession, below.]

I Neill McNeill, of the County of Robeson and state of North Carolina, being of sound mind and memory (thanks to God for his goodnefs) do this twenty sixth day of August, Anno Domini, eighteen hundred and thirty one, make this my last will and Testament, in the following manner, that is to say,

First, I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Flora [Is this Flora Riddle?], during her lifetime, four hundred and fifty acres of land, on which my Mansion-house, and all my other houses are situated; – also my grist mill, with all and singular their improvements and appurtenances, to have, hold, and enjoy them during the whole period of her life. And, after the death of my beloved wife Flora, it is my will that the aforesaid lands, house, plantation, and gristmill, with all and singular their improvments and appurtenances, belong to my youngest son William [William Peterson McNeill, who through deeds and estates is revealed to have been the legal guardian of his two incompetent brothers, David and Daniel]. Further, I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Flora my six slaves, Cubrey, Frank, Jim, Fanney, Fibbey, and Dinah, to have and posses them during her life time. And, upon the death of my wife, it is my will that my son Daniel have and hold the slave Frank during said Daniels life time. And that my son David, during his life time, have and hold the slave Jim. And that my remaining negroes, Cubrey, Fanney, Dinah, and Fibbey, herein given to my wife, upon her death, together with such ifsue as they may hereafter have, be equally divided among my beloved children, Neill [Neill T. McNeill], Hector [never married], Malcom [died 1837, unmarried], William [William Peterson McNeill], Archd [Archibald P. McNeill], Mary [married Neill B. Brown, Sr.], and Rosanna [married Richard B. "Dick" Gregory], with the exception that Hector's part of said negroes and their ifsue be returned to my other heirs and heirefses, at the death of said Hector, if he should die without ifsue. [The son Malcolm McNeill died before January of 1838 intestate. Aside from county deeds showing Malcolm's estate was divided amongst his siblings, no official estate papers exist at the county level or at the NC archives detailing the court's resolution of the estate; however, Ruth McArthur of Wilmington, NC sent me what is perhaps the only surviving copy of an estate paper found in her great-grandmother McNeill's trunk.]

Also, I give my son Neill one hundred acres of land, whereon he now lives, being in two surveys. And one hundred acres of land one the west side of McPhauls Mill swamp, being in two surveys, and adjoining Daniel McNeill's [Recent research [2016] has revealed this Daniel McNeill was Daniel McNeill of McPhauls Mill who was the brother of the Neill McNeill who wrote this will, both sons of "Shoemaker John" McNeill and Mary Peterson. Records prove Daniel McNeill of McPhauls Mill married Jane (McDougald?) and had two children: Archibald McDougald McNeill and Mary McNeill who married Alexander McPhaul.], and Catharine Brown's lands. I also give to my son Neill, my two slaves Charles and Jennet. Item, I give to my son Hector, my slave Dick, and the first child that Fanney may hereafter have; which negroes, with their ifsue, are to be returned to my other heirs and heirefses, at the death of said Hector, if he should die without a lawful heir. Item, I give my son Malcom, the plantation I purchased from John Gilchrist, containing three hundred and eighty acres Also, I give to my son Malcom, my two slaves Prince and Feddy. And upon the death of my son David, it is my will that my son Malcom should have Jim. Item, I give to my son Archd one hundred and sixty acres of land, on which he now lives; and fifty acres of land besides, at the lower end of Budd's Bay. I also give my son Archd my two slaves Peter and Lucey.

Item, I give to my daughter Mary, my two slaves Fibbey and Toney. Item, I give to my daughter Rosanna, my two slaves Aaron and Peggy.

Item, I give to my son William my two slaves Sam and Amy. And after the death of my son Daniel it is my will that my son William should have the slave Frank. Item, After the death of my beloved wife, it is my will that all my household furniture, together with my live stock of every description be sold; and that the proceeds thereof be equally divided among all my children, provided, as before, that my son Hector's part thereof return to my other children and the heirs, if he should die without a lawful heir. [It appears Hector never married, or at least died without children.] Lastly, I make and ordain my son Archd and my son in law Neill B. Brown, as executors to this my last will and testament In witnefs whereof, I Neill McNeill, testator, have set my hand and seal, to this my last will and testament, on the day and year above written. Signed, sealed, and delivered, by said Neill McNeill, testator, as his last will and testament, in the presence of,
Test. Neil McNeil {seal}
Archd. Buie
Martha E. Buie

Robeson County Novb Term 1831 Then was this will duly proved by the oath of Archd Buie one of the subscribing witnefses thereto and ordered to be registered. AM McEachin Clk

Will of "Long Duncan" McNeill, 10 March 1832, Robeson County
Source: Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, NC

read original: pg1 pg2 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2, | Photo

In the name of god Amen. I Duncan McNeill Senior of the County of Robeson in the State of North Carolina so make and proclaim and publish this my last will & testament, I wish my body to be decently interred at the discretion of my Executors hereinafter named, and as to my worldly affairs I dispose of them in manner and form follwoing, Viz.

In primus I give and bequeath to my dearly beloved wife, Margaret [daughter of James McNeill of Rockfish Creek, also known as Jimmie McNeill of McCaskill's Creek, and his wife Elizabeth McNeill daughter of Carver's Creek Hector McNeill of the Argyll Colony.], for and during her lifetime, Two hundred acres of land including the greater part of my plantation originally patented by Price, also one hundred acres – the upper part of a three hundred acre survey on the head of the Watery Branch, together with my Negroes, Fortune, Hanna, Rose, Margaret, Peter and William; And to her, her heirs and assigns, the whole of my stock of every description, my household and kitchen furniture and farming utensils, with the execption of such part thereof as are herein after to others bequeathed.

Item I give and bequeath to my Son Archibald ["Wild Archie McNeill; married Elizabeth McNeill daughter of Godfrey McNeill and Catherine "Kitty" McDougald] his heirs and assigns forever two hundred acres of land patented by Jacob Rhodes whereon he (Archibald) now resides, as likewise fifty acres joining it on the lower side. My Negroes, Jennet and Charlotte, as also after my wife's demise Fortune [Fortune was bequeathed to Duncan in his father's, Turquill's, will.], old Hanna and Peter.

Item I give and bequeath to my Son Duncan, all that part of my land lying West of a line to commence at the point of land formed by the junction of Raft Swamp with Toneys Creek, and running thence a direct line to the Northwest corner of the old one hundred acres on which I reside, thence south along that line, thence South along the line of the 200 acres patented by Price and that course continued as far down as my Lands extend, and to include and embrace my part in my Brother Lauchlin's old survey [a survey "Long Duncan" purchased in 1824 from his nephew, Daniel McNeill]. Also my Negroes Charles, Jack and London (with the exception that one month of London's service shall belong to my wife during her lifetime). As also William and old Rose after the demise of Mrs. MacNeill. Likewise Scott family Bible [I believe this should say 'Scottish' Bible], and my family clock.

Item I give and bequeath to my grandson Daniel MacNeill [Daniel George McNeill, son of "Wild Archie" and Elizabeth McNeill. Daniel George McNeill married Emaline Thompson in 1870], his heirs and assigns forever fifty acres of land on Watery Branch joining MacIntagart's line.

Item I give and bequeath to my grand daughter Margaret Graham [daughter of Margaret McNeill (who had died in 1826) and husband Archibald Graham, son of Alexander Graham and Mary McCormick] fifty acres of land on the Lumberton Road and lower side of Watery Branch, My Negro woman Pleasant with all her children, one feather bed and bedding, five heads of cattle and three heads of sheep, to her heirs and assigns forever.

Item I give and bequeath to the bodily heirs of my daughter Elizabeth Powell (dec'd) [wife of Eben H. Powell of Putnam County, Georgia; had a daughter Sarah Powell], fifty acres out of a three hundred acre survey, on Watery Branch to them their heirs and assigns.

Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Sarah McNeill [wife of James "Jimmie" McNeill, son of Godfrey McNeill and Catherine "Kitty" McDougald] fifty acres of the foregoing tract of 300 acres to her, her heirs and assigns.

Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Anna Wilkeson [wife of William Wilkinson/Wilkeson] her heirs and assigns fifty acres of the foregoing tract of three hundred acres. I also now will and confirm unto my three daughters aforesaid as also to my daughter Jennet all and every manner or kind of property that I may hereto fore have loaned or given to them.

Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Mary Black [wife of Duncan Black, son of James Black and Ann "Nancy" Peterson], fifty acres of the foregoing tract of three hundred acres, as also my Negro woman Priscilla with all her children and future increase, for and during her life time and after her demise the whole increase and all wise – the descendants of the said Priscilla to be jointly owned by the bodily heir of the said Mary Black her heirs and assigns forever.

After the debts due to me are collected, and all my just debts duly paid by my Executors – whatever balance may remain on hand I give and bequeath to my beloved wife, her heirs and assigns.

After the demise of my wife, I give and bequeath to my son Archibald the lower most of the two hundred acre survey patented by Price, as herein before stated, and the upper most to my son Duncan; and the one hundred acres on Watery Branch after the demise as aforesaid to my daughter Jennet, to them in perpetuity, Their heirs and assigns forever.

I constitute, nominate and appoint my Son Duncan McNeill, Junior, and my son-in-law, John McMillan [husband of Long Duncan's daughter Jennet, above], Executors of this my last will and testament.

In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix my seal the 10th day of March in the year of our Lord, one thousand, eight hundred and thirty-two.

Signed Sealed and Executedxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
in presence ofxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxDuncan McNeill {seal}
A. Gilchristxxxxxxxxxxxxxcccccccccccccxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Angus Brown X

Recorded in Will Book, Page 272 Last Will and Testament of Duncan McNeill, Esq.
Robeson County November Term 1832 then was this will duly proven in open court by the oath of Angus Brown and ordered to be recorded.
A. McEachin, Clk
J. McMillan, Ex.

Will of Archibald "Archie Ghar" McNeill, 20 September 1831, Robeson County, NC
Source: Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, NC

read original: pg1 pg2 | Family Chart 1, 2 | Related Deeds: 1, 2, | Photo

[This Archibald McNeill is "Archie Ghar" McNeill, son of William McNeill and Jane Campbell. In Scotland, William and Jane had several children. "Archie Ghar" was born in 1760 in Argyllshire, Scotland and is said to have come to America about 1774 with his widowed mother, his father William having died in Scotland. His mother later married Neill McNeill and had two children by him as well. Archie Ghar fought on the side of the patriots during the Revolution. His widow, fourth wife Effie, applied for a pension, which is on file, No. W-25690-BLWT-8116716055. This information comes from Mabel Lovin's history of her McNeill ancestors. Archie Ghar's lands were above and around Shannon in Robeson County, NC. Mabel Lovin said that he was buried at Philippi cemetery — his wife Barbara Patterson McNeill is buried there — but his gravestone is missing so was likely stolen over 20 years ago. Archie Ghar was a neighbor of James McNeill of Rockfish Creek, and his daughter Elizabeth (by his second marriage to Barbara Patterson) married James's son Danold McNeill.]

State of North Carolina
Robeson County
September the twentieth A.D. one thousand eight hundred and thirty one- In the name of God Amen I Archibald McNeill of the County and State above written being of sound and perfect mind and memory blefsed be god do this the twentieth day of September A.D. on thousand eight hundred and thirty one make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following. That is to say _ I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Effy MacNeill [Effie McEachern (daughter of Robert McEachern and Jennet Henderson), his last and fourth wife by whom he had no children] all I got with her _ I also give and bequeath to my beloved son William C. McNeill a negro boy named Stephen and a negro woman named Charity _ and also my household and kitchen furniture. And my daughter Jane McNeill [Jane was blind.] I leave her to the said William C. McNeill for her maintenance her lifetime _ And I bequeath unto son James C. McNeill a negro woman named Rhody _ Also to my daughter Nancy McNeill a girl named Nelly. And if my aforesaid daughter Nancy should die without ifsue, the said negro to be returned to the family. And also give to my daughter Margaret Malloy a negro girl named Eliza _ And to my daughter Isabella Malloy [wife of Duncan Malloy] a negro girl named Anna _ And unto my daughter Mary McMillan [Wife of Archibald McMillan. Mary had a twin that did not survive.] one hundred Dollars to be made out of my horse and riding chair and stock _ And to my son Neill McNeill one hundred Dollars to be made out of one hundred acres of [land] being and lying on the Beaver Dam Swamp and of the stock said land joining Wilkinson and others or of my property not here mentioned _ And to my son John McNeill I give and bequeath five Dollars _ And to my daughter Catherine Blount [wife of Phillip Blount] five dollars _ Also to my daughter Elizabeth Five Dollars [This five dollars is a generous gift for this time because her husband Danold McNeill has been dead for some three years, so Elizabeth is a rich widow with hundreds of acres at her disposal.] _ All my lands not here mentioned I have left to my three sons William Archibald and James by Deeds of gift.
I do hereby ordain and appoint my worth friends Duncan Malloy and William C McNeill Executors to tis my last will and testament in witnefs whereof I do hereunto set my hand and seal this day and year above written
Signed Sealed and delivered
in presence of Archibald McNeill {Seal}
Alexr McMillan
Gray Cobb
Hector McNeill, Tailor
Robeson County. November Term 1834 – then was this will duly proven in open Court by the oath of Alexander McMillan a subscribing witnefs to the same and ordered to be recorded A McEachin Clk

Will of Duncan McPherson, 18 April 1832, Richmond County, NC
Source: Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, NC

In the name of god Amen. I Duncan McPherson of the county of Richmond and State of North Carolina being of perfect health & of sound disposing mind and memory do make this my last will & testament in manner and form following, to wit,
I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Florah McPherson during the time that she continues widow after my death all the Lands that I now live one horse, or Horses, cattle Hogs Household Furniture, Farming Utensils & Kitchen Furniture, Beds with their furniture & every thing else that is or may be my right at the time of my Death, Is have and to hold to her use and benefit during her widowhood and no longer
I give and bequeath unto my beloved grand son John McKinnon son of Roderick McKinnon of South Carolina. The whole of the aforesaid Lands for him to take possession of, the same, when my said widow that is now called Flora McPherson marrys or dies to be his and his heirs & afsigns forever, And all the rest of my personal property at the time aforesaid that is the marriage of Death of my widow I wish and desire to be equally divided between my son Martin McPherson, Lauchlin McKinnon Neil McKinnon my grand children, & Sarah McDonald of Moore who is now living with me.
I appoint Charles McKinnon (Taylor) now of Rockingham & Donald McDonald that was married to the widow McKay as Executors of this my last will & testament revoking and dissannulling all other wills by me at any time hereunto made in witnefs whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal the 18th day of April 1832
Signed sealed etc etc before us                                                                                  his
L. MacAlister                                                                                              Duncan xXxxMcPherson {seal}
M.D. Crawford                                                                                                       mark

Will of Hector "Leather-Eye Hector" McNeill, 27 December 1832, Cumberland County, NC
Source: Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, NC

read original: pg1 pg2 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2, 3

["Leather-Eye Hector" McNeill was the son of "Scribbling Archie" McNeill and Jennet "Jennie Bhan" McNeill. His wife was Susannah Barksdale; some say Mary Burnside (Was he married twice?). The October 3, 1901 edition of the Fayetteville Observer included an article by Allan A. McCaskill that included information about "Leather-Eye," or "One-Eye Hector" as he was also called. It revealed that "Leather-Eye Hector" McNeill and old Colonel Hector McNeill were contemporaries; even today the two men are often confused and claimed to be the same man. McCaskill identified each, and pointed out that old Colonel Hector McNeill, who was McCaskill's great uncle, was killed at the Battle of Cains Creek in 1781. Furthermore, John Henry McPhaul's article on the Battle of Raft Swamp states that in order to disguise the fact old Colonel Hector McNeill had been killed, "Leather-Eye Hector" was elevated to the rank of Colonel. It is certainly true that the younger Hector replaced the older colonel, per existing pay rosters. About his family, only three children are mentioned in his will below, but there were many others — he supposedly had nine children in all — who died young and are buried at Tranthams Creek. Hector's father, "Scribbling Archie," had land on Tranthams Creek.]

In the name of God Amen
I Hector McNeill of the County of Cumberland and State of North Carolina now considering myself frail in body tho' of perfect mind & memory and well knowing that it is appointed for all men to die do make this my last Will and Testament. I resign my soul to its creator in all humble hope of its future happinefs, as in the disposal of a Being infinitely good; As to my body my will is that it be decently burried beside my spouse in our home burrial place.

As to my worldly estate I dispose of it as follows: - To my son Daniel McNeill [married Rachel Murchison] I give and bequeath the following named negroes; viz: Alexr, Jim, Rachel, Tilla, Mary, Charles, John, Ann, Jane, Angus, Moses, Lindy, Jeffry, Fanny, Letty, George, Moses and Bacchus: Item, I give and bequeath the following named negroes to my son Archibald McNeill [died in 1837 in Cumberland County; "the named negroes" Archibald inherits here in his father's will are all named in Archibald's estate record and rented out to pay debts; he married Delia Calcott who appears to have died before him, and she is not named or provided any dower land in the estate]; viz: Ned, Miles, Isaac, Betsy and her child Henry, Jerry, William, Jane, Kisanna, Violet, Tamer, Isabel, _g_ting, Hector, Harriet, Neill and Joe. Item, I give and bequeath to my grandchildren the heirs of Mary McNeill consort of William McNeill [William and Mary lived on the McNeill land around the country club at Pembroke in Robeson County, near Red Banks. Mary died in 1828 and their son Archibald is buried there with her. Their son, Dr. Hector McNeill, from Marlboro County, South Carolina and was married to Elizabeth Jewette for one month at his death, is buried there as well.] the following named negroes to be equally divided among them; viz: Hannah and her ifsue, Rhody and her ifsue, Nancy and her ifsue, & Fanny and her ifsue. Item, it is my will and desire that my son Archibald take charge of and support the negroes old Hector and little Amy - Item, I give and bequeath to my son Daniel all my lands on the waters of Lower Little River, also, one hundred acres of land known by the name of the Hill Swamp tract, another tract on the waters of Crofs Creek known by the name of Clarks Land [100 acres sold to "One-Eye Hector" McNeill by Archibald Clark in 1792], also all the lands on the East side of Cape Fear River above Averasboro supposed to be two hundred & eight acres known by the name of the division land. Item, I give and bequeath to my son Archibald the plantation whereon I now live, and all other lands belonging to me on the waters of said River except so much as I have already bequeathed to my son Daniel. I do nominate & appoint my two sons Archibald and Daniel McNeill Executors to this my last will & Testament. In testimony wherof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this the 27th day of December 1832
Test} Jno McKay Hector McNeill {Seal}
Nancy McCraine

Daniel McNeill qualified as executor March Term 1833
Archibald McNeill qualified June Term 1835 [Daniel died in 1835 and sole executorship fell to Archibald who died two years later.]

Will of Margaret McNeill, widow of "Long Duncan" McNeill, 30 March 1833, Robeson County, NC
Robeson County Will Book A, page 379, Lumberton, NC

read original: pg1 | Family Chart

[Margaret McNeill is buried with her husband, Duncan "Long Duncan" McNeill, Sr., at Philippi Cemetery in Hoke County.]

I Margaret McNeill of the County of Robeson in the State of North Carolina, do publish and proclaim this my last will & testament; I wish my body to be decently buried at the discretion of my Executor, herein after named, & as to my worldly goods - I dispose of them in manner & form following - Viz

In primis, I give and bequeath to my dearly beloved daughter, Jennet MacMillan [Wife of John H. McMillan], my Negroe girl Margaret, & my Book Case to her her Heirs and assigns forever.

Item, I give and bequeath to my Grandson, James Archibald MacNeill, my Table Silver Spoons. [son of Duncan McNeill, Jr. and Mary Gilchrist McNeill]

Item, I give and bequeath to my Grand Daughter, Margaret Graham, my best bed with all Bedding - such as sheets, blankets & complete, as also my Silver Tea Spoons.

Item, I give and bequeath to my Grand Daughter, Margaret Ann Black, one bed and bedding. [daughter of Mary McNeill and Duncan Black]

Item, I give and bequeath to my Grandson Daniel McNeill ( Archibald's son ) [George Daniel McNeill, son of "Wild Archie" McNeill] my year old colt.

Item, I give and bequeath to my Daughter Anna Wilkinson, my best bed stead.

The balance of my property I wish sold & the proceeds to be equally divided among my foregoing Legatees.

I nominate constitute, and appoint Angus Gilchrist, Executor of this my last will & testament. In testimony whereof I herewith set my hand and affix my seal, the 30th day of March in the year of our Lord 1833.

Signed Sealed & Executed in the Presence of                                                                               Her
John H. McMillan                                                                                                           Margaret X M'Neill {Seal}
Duncan Currie                                                                                                                            mark

Will of Flora McNeill, widow of John McNeill of Richland Swamp, 2 July 1833, Robeson County, NC
Source: Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, NC

[Flora was a McMillan and may have been the daughter of Duncan McMillan Senior found in Robeson County deeds. Her will below states she had a brother named Duncan whose grave she wished to be marked. Flora McMillan McNeill and her husband John McNeill (who died right around 1819) lived on Richland Swamp. They had six children of their own, but John had a previous marriage by whom he had three (perhaps four) sons, Neill, Archibald, Malcolm and John McNeill of Keinsfordale (1776-1850). John's son Neill (or he may have been John's brother or other close relative) by this unknown first wife appears to have died about 1795 — and certainly disappeared from the records by 1796 — about the time his second wife, Flora, gave birth to a son they also named Neill. Flora's death date appears in the Angus Black family bible as 23 December 1838, as does Angus Archie McNeill, Archibald McNeill (died 1835), Daniel McNeill of Richland Swamp (died 1872) and his wife Sarah Black McNeill (died 1843) and others. This bible record is key to how we now know about the family of John McNeill of Richland Swamp.]

In the name of God, Amen, I Flora McNeill, of the County of Robeson and State of North Carolina, being of perfect mind and memory, do make the following disposal of that earthly substance which God was pleased to bestow upon me. First, I give to my son Malcom one dollar. Item, I give to my son Neill one dollar. Item, I give to my son Duncan one dollar. Item, I give to my son Archibald one dollar [Duncan and Neill were her sons by her deceased husband John; Malcolm and Archibald were sons by John's first wife, and were Flora's stepsons. They each were now older adults with their own plantations and families, thus the small bequest.]. Item, I give unto my daughters Catharine, Elizabeth, Ifsabel, and Flora, each a silk drefs, or the value thereof in money. Item, I give unto my daughter Catharine my cloth loom. Item, I give unto my daughter Flora my spinning wheel [Catherine never married. Isabella married Hector McNeill of Richmond County and had several children. Elizabeth married Turquill McNeill and moved to Dent County, Missouri, and had many children. Flora married long after the estate of John McNeill of Richland Swamp had been settled by and amongst all her older siblings; she married a Varnum and her portion was likely a marriage settlement in cash.]. Also, I give to my son Daniel [Daniel McNeill of Richland Swamp (1805-1872)] all my remaining property, provided that he take due care of me during life, not removing me from my present residence; provide also that he procure and set up Tombstones at the graves of my dec'sed husband and his father; And also at the grave of my brother Duncan McMillan. July 23rd 1833
Signed in presence Flora X McNeill (her mark)
Arch'd Buie X Arch'd Buie X
[On reverse] The Last will and Testament of Flora McNeill -- Robeson County February Term 1839 Then was this will duly proven in open Court by the oaths of Archd Buie and Archd Buie subscribing witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded Sah Howell Clk. Recorded in Will Book page 377

Will of "Beaverdam Daniel" Patterson, Sr., 2 November 1833, Cumberland County, NC
Source: Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, NC

read original: pg1 pg2 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2 | Estate record

[The 1844 Cumberland County estate record for the sons of this Daniel Patterson Sr., (namely Daniel Patterson, Jr. who died in 1827 and Malcolm Patterson who died in 1838), states that this Daniel Patterson, Sr. was "Raft Swamp Daniel" Patterson. Also, Daniel Jr.'s wife's name may have been Margaret, but per this will and other deeds probably had no children.]

In the name of god Amen. I Daniel Patterson of Cumberland County No. Carolina being mindful of my mortality and being of sound mind and memory (blesfed be God) do this second day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three, make this my last will and testament in manner and form following that is to say –

First I devise and bequeath unto my son Malcom Patterson two hundred acres of land with their appertenances, one hundred of which is situate on the head of the Beaverdam and the other hundred in two surveys adjoining the Mary Shaw land – Also young William, Lucy, her two children Hannah and Henry and all her future increase –

Item, To my son Archd Patterson I devise two hundred and fifty acres of land with the appurtenances which include the plantation whereon I now live. Also fifty acres of land called the Angus Molloy survey. I bequeath to said Arch'd Patterson my negro woman Harriot and her son Miles and all her future increase –

Item, to my daughter Sarah [married James Murphy and moved to Georgia] I give and bequeath my negroe woman Judy, and cow and calf –

Item, to my daughter Elizabeth [married Shockley Gibson and moved to Georgia] I give and bequeath my negroe man Bobby about sixty six years old –

Item, To my daughter Flora [married Angus McRae and lived in Cumberland County, NC. Per a Cumberland County deed dated September 1844, Angus McRae sold his interest in Daniel Patterson's estate to two debtors: John Campbell, who witnessed this will and who was this Daniel Patterson Sr.'s half-brother, and Alexander Watson, both of Robeson County.] I give and bequeath my negroe boy Turquill about six years old and at her death provided she dies without issue the said boy is to go to my sons Malcom and Archd equally.

Item, To my daughter Loveday [married John S. Harrell and moved to Mississippi] I give and bequeath my negro woman Soosy about 50 years of age.

Item, To my sons Malcom and Archd I also give and bequeath old Cloe

Item, To my son Archd and my daughter Flora I give and bequeath all the residue of my property not herein already disposed of –

Lastly I nominate my two sons Malcom and Archd Executors to this my last will and testament and I hereby revoke and annul all former wills by me made. In witnefs whereof I the said Daniel Patterson have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal the day and year first above written

Signed sealed published and declared                                                                               his
in the presence of us who have attested the                                                             Daniel X Patterson {seal}
same in the presence of the                                                                                             mark
testator and in the preseance of each other
John Gilchrist
Jno Campbell [Daniel Patterson's half brother]

[Probated 1848 by oath of Angus McRae, the husband of daughter Flora mentioned above.]

Will of Hector McNeill, 5 November 1834, Cumberland County, NC
Source: Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, NC

read original: pg1 pg2 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2

In the name of god Amen. this the 5th Day of November A.D. 1834 —

I Hector McNeill of the County of Cumberland [Hector McNeill, Sr. on Upper Little River, son of Neill McNeill and his first wife whose name is unknown] and State of North Carolina Planter being weak in body but of Perfect mind and memory thanks be to God therefore calling to 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 Amighty God who gave it and my Body I recommend to the earth to be Decently Burried in a Christian burial at the Discretion of my Executor nothing doubting but at the general Resurection I shall receve the same again by the mighty Power of God And as toching such worldy Estate as it hath Pleased God to Blefs me with in this life I give Devise and dispose of the same in the form and manner as follows

Item I give and Bequeath to my Beloved Daughters Mary McNeill Sarah McNeill & Jennet McNeill – Two hundred acres of Land Including the McNair hous and the line of Division to Run North and South to Run near half way Between the said McNair Hous and the Hous I know live in from the river Bank so as to Contain the aforesaid Two hundred acres also I leave three negroes named Chane Georg & Bett to support my three daughters Mary Sarah & Jennett and after there Death to be Quaally Divided amongst there sisters and brothers or there Children also all my Houshold & Kitchen furniture also all my stock of all kinds whatever to be equall between my Daughters Mary Sarah and Jennett and my son Hector. that is to say whatever Part of the stock may be left after paying my just debts also all my farming utensils I leave to my four children above mentioned my Desire is that they all may live together while single.

Item I give and Bequeath to my Beloved Daughter Elizabeth McFadden one Dollar

Item I give and Bequeath to my Beloved Daughter Margaret McNeill forty acres of land on Thortons Creek also fifty Dollars of money –

Item I give and Bequeath to my Beloved son Hector McNeill four Hundred acres of land Where I know live Including the Plantation to extend Back to the river so as to Contain the aforesaid four Hundred acres also one Negro man named Jack – also I lieve all the Residue of my land to my son Hector and if he dies without Heir for the last mention Parcel of Land to Return to my Daughter and sons equal or their children –

Item I give and Bequeath to my Beloved son Turquill McNeill one negro man named Angus after his paying one hundred Dollars –

Item I give and Bequeath to my Beloved Daughter Ann Cameron one Dollar –

Item I give and Bequeath to my Beloved Daughter Flora McNair Thirty Dollars –

Item I give and Bequeath to my Blacksmith tools to my three sons Neill Hector & Turquill to be Equal Between them not to be disposed of only to each other

Item I give and Bequeath to my Illegitmate Daughter Margaret McNeill fifty acres of land on the three Prong Branch –

I devise that my negro woman Reah may be sold to the highest Bidder and the money arising from the sail to be applied to the payment of my just debts

Item I devise that my son Neill McNeill [This is not "Texas Neill" McNeill] be my Executor to this my last will and testament

I confirm this to be my last will and Testament and Know other Hector McNeill {seal}
in Witnefs Wherof I have set my hand and seal this 5th Day of November 1834
Witnefs
Malcom McNeill [probably Hector's brother Malcolm who died in 1841 in Cumberland Co.]
Hector McNeill [probably the son of Hector McNeill of this will]

North Carolina Cumberland County} December Term 1840
Then was the Execution of the foregoing will proved by the oath of Hector McNeill one of the subscribing witnefses therto – in due form of law – and Neill McNeill the Executor therein named qualified thereto

Will of Archibald McNeill, 13 February 1835, Robeson County, NC
Source: Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, NC

read original: pg1 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2

[This Archibald McNeill is the son of John McNeill of Richland Swamp and his second wife, Flora McMillan. He never married and was a brother to Daniel McNeill of Richland Swamp.]

In the name of God Amen. I Archibald McNeill of the County of Robeson, and State of North Carolina, being of perfect mind and memory, do make my last will and testament in the following manner, Viz:
First_ I desire that my right in the Negroes Temp., Anney, Samuel, David, and George, may remain in the hands of my mother Flora McNeill [née Flora McMillan], during her life; and after her death, that my right of said Negroes be equally divided between Brothers Duncan [married Effie Murphey of Robeson County] and Daniel [Daniel McNeill of Richland Swamp], and sisters Flora, and Catherine [Flora married Alexander Varnum of Robeson County, and Catherine never married].
Item. I desire that one hundred and fifty acres of the tract of land on which my mother now lives, become the property of my brother Neill after my mother's death;and that said one hundred fifty acres be adjoining brother Neill's present tract of land if it can be so fixed in the division of the lands. Also, I desire that my brother Malcolm may possess one hundred acres of the tract of land on which my mother now lives, after her death.
Item. I desire that my share of horses and hogs be solely the property a brother Daniel after my death.
Item. I give to brother Daniel my right in Rachel and her child Emily, provided that he give fifty dollars to each of my sisters, Katherine and Flora; and ten dollars to Sister Isabella [married Hector McNeill of Richmond County], and one dollar to sister Elizabeth [married Turquill McNeill of Cumberland County and moved to Dent County, Missouri].
Item. I desire that brother Daniel shall have all my right to the plantation and land which I bought of Archibald Buie after my death.
Item. I desire that my share of cows and sheep be equally divided between my sisters Katherine and Flora.
Item. I give my bed and bed clothes to my brother Neill.
Item I give to my brother Daniel 1200 pounds of fodder which is at Archibald Buie's.
Finally I appoint Brothers Duncan and Daniel Executors to this last will and testament.
                                                                                                                                        his
                                                                                                                          Archd     X     McNeill {Seal}
                                                                                                                                       seal
Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of
Neil Brown
Malcolm McNeill [likely his brother, Malcolm McNeill, who married Mary Ray and moved to Georgia]
February 13th 1835 Robeson County.
February term 1835. Then was this will duly proven in open court by the oath of Neil Brown and ordered to be registered.
A McEachin Clerk.

Will of Hector McNeill, 3 May 1848, Cumberland County, NC
Source: Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, NC

read original: pg1 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2

[This Hector McNeill is the son of Daniel McNeill and Isabella McLaren McNeill who lived and died in the Flea Hill district of Cumberland County. He names his sister Mrs. Ann McNeill McCall. She married Dr. John McCall of Bladen County. Hector and his siblings are named (minus Ann McNeill McCall) on page 458 of Lumber River Scots by Henry Purcell as being possibly the children of Mary Torrey and "Red Hector" McNeill of Cumberland County which was an incorrect guess.]

In the name of God Amen. I Hector McNeill of the County of Cumberland and State of North Carolina being of sound and perfect mind and memory, blessed be God, do this third day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand and eight hundred and forty eight, make and publish this my last will and testament in manner following, that is to say.
First: I give and bequeath unto my mother Isabella McNeill all my swamp land and all my cattle cows and hogs and all the interest that I have in Brother Archibalds estate [Archibald died in 1834 and is buried at Old Cross Creek cemetery with Hector and their parents.] or whatever share there may be coming to me of said lands to her during her lifetime and after her death to my youngest sister Barbara Bulla. And I give & bequeath to my sister Isabella [This Isabella was unmarried at her death in 1856.] my house and lot of land where the house is her lifetime and after her death to be returned to my other sisters. And my old negro man Frank I want set free if he can give security in his maintenance so that he will be no charge to the publick. I give and bequeath to my nephew Hector McPhail [son of Margaret McNeill and Thomas McPhail who moved to Texas and died there about 1855.] two cows and calves. I give and bequeath to Hector Strickling two cows and calves, and all of my other property consisting of my land on Buck Creek my mules and waggon to be sold and my debts all paid and the balance to be equally divided amongst my other sisters viz Margaret McPhail, Mary McMillan, the heir of my sister Ann McCall that is Barbara Ann Melvin and to the heirs of my sister Sarah McCaskill [Her heirs were her sons Allen A. McCaskill and his brother William McCaskill.], I hereby make and ordain my worthy friend Thomas J. Bulla Executor of this my last will and Testament.
In witnefs whereof I the said Hector McNeill have to this my last will and testament set my hand and seal the year and day above written

Hector McNeill
Signing sealing and delivering by the said Hector McNeill the testator as his last will and testament in the presence of us who were present at the time of the signing and sealing thereof.
Witnefs
N W McLaurin
J McLeran
Admitted to probate June Term 1848 of Cumberland County Court. Thomas J. Bulla qualified as Exector _

Will of Neill McNeill of Long Swamp, 20 March 1837, Robeson County
Source: Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, NC

read original: pg1 pg2 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2, 3

[The Neill McNeill of Long Swamp family were related to the family of Mrs. Rosa McNeill Stafford of Marion District, SC, per three Cumberland County deeds dated 1835 and 1836 wherein the children of Neill McNeill in the will below are stated to have been co-heirs with Rosa Stafford and her siblings of one Nancy McKay Hair of Cumberland County, NC. Nancy was suvived by her husband Daniel Hinson Hair. Rosa McNeill Stafford was the daughter of a Margaret McNeill, widow of Daniel McNeill, who made her will in Robeson Co. in 1818. Through her husband Daniel McNeill, Margaret may have been the sister-in-law of this Neill McNeill of Long Swamp. Margaret named only five children and two grandchildren: Laughlin McNeill, John McNeill (and his son Alexander), Rosa Stafford, Catherine (who per the wording of Margaret's will appears to have married a McNeill), Neill McNeill (and his son Daniel), and Mary Smith, wife of Neill Smith.]

In the name of God Amen.

I Neill McNeill of Robeson County and State of North Carolina being of sound mind and memory but of Ill health and Bodily Weaknefs do make and publish this my last will and Testament in the following manner, Viz.

First I desire that all my lawful debts shall be paid

Again To my daughter Mary McKay [Wife of Archibald McKay, probably her cousin; moved to Georgia] I give my Two Boys Prince and Peter

To Izabel Stewart [Neill's daughter according to later estate records, and wife of Daniel Stewart] I give and bequeath my Two Boys Stephen and Henry & my girl Sarah

Item To my daughter Margaret McArthur [wife of Daniel McArthur] I give and bequeath my girl Mary and Two Boys Try and Irvin.

Again I give and bequeath to my son David [David was declared incompetent in his father's estate settlement. David died in 1859.] my Boys Dan Alick and Jack

Likewise I give and bequeath to my daughters Catherine, Jane and Elizabeth my woman Anna and her five children Anna to continue on the plantation [About these daughters: Catherine married Neill C. Patterson in 1840 and moved to Richmond County, NC; Jane married John McArthur who were the parents of Maria McArthur, wife of John A. Humphrey who lived near Philadelphus in Robeson County; Elizabeth married John C. Sinclair in 1843]

To my son Daniel I give and bequeath my Two Slaves Adam & Pink to his use and benifit yet not so as to sell or remove them out of the state or be sold to satisfy debts of his contracting and should he have a lawful Bodily heir or heirs then said slaves to belong to said heir or heirs and should he have no bodily heirs said Negroes with their increase to be returned to the Lawful Heirs [Daniel died in 1880 and is not identifiable in any census record for Robeson County.]

My Plantation my woman Bet Stock of all kinds Farming Utensils Household & Kitchen furniture Books Cart Chair and Whatever I may pofsefs not otherwise disposed of to be my son David's his natural lifetime and my single daughters remaining on the plantation should they live longer be his heir and the heir of each other in the plantation whilst single and should my son Daniel have a male heir he shall be heir to my plantation [This is the provision that initiated Neill's estate settlement a year later as Daniel never had an heir.] after the death of David and my single daughters the Other property named as Articles of Bequest to be proportionably divided among the above single Heirs

Lastly I appoint my Worthy Friends John McNeill and Samuel Watson Executors to this my last will and Testament this 20th March 1837

Signed & Sealed in presence of us Neill McNeill {seal}
Samuel Watson
William McNeill

Robeson County August Term 1837 then was this will proved in open court by the Oaths of Samuel Watson & William McNeill and ordered to be recorded Sdh Howell Clk

Will of Col. Neil Buie, 27 June 1837, Robeson County, NC
Source: Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, NC

read original: pg1 pg2 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2

["Sailor Hector" McNeill's daughter Isabella married Daniel Buie. They were presumed to have moved to Alabama or Mississippi. Robeson County court minutes for February Term 1831 record two girls, Isabella and Margaret Buie, as being minor heirs of a Daniel Buie. The guardian of these minor heirs was Malcolm McNeill ("Sailor Hector" had a son named Malcolm). There is no statement in the minutes as to whether Malcolm was appointed guardian by the court or was chosen guardian by the heirs themselves; by law, if appointed by the court, the girls' ages would be under 14 years at the date of appointment.]

State of North Carolina Robeson County
June 27th 1837

In the name of god Amen. I Neil Buie of Aforesaid County and state being sound of mind and memory but weak in body do make and publish this my last will and testament in the following manner. First I desire that all my lawful debts be paid Again I give and bequeath equally between my two nephews William R. Munroe and Neil James Buie fifty acres of land situated on Burnt Swamp together with my boy Robert, my mules and horses and hogs and all tools of every description mechanical as well as farming household and kitchen furniture guns and saddles bridles and all other articles of property I possess which are not already or may hereafter be otherwise disposed of in this will
Again I give equally between William R. Munroe, Neil James Buie and Margaret Buie [Is this the Margaret Buie who was a daughter of Isabella McNeill ("Sailor Hector" McNeill's daughter) and her husband Daniel Buie?] my stock of cattle, sheep and goats.
Again I desire that my nephews William R. Munroe and James Buie pay to Margaret Buie one hundred and twenty five dollars apiece. In testimony where of I have unto set my hand and seal the day and year of above written.
Signed and sealed in presence of Neil Buie.

Robeson County November Term 1839 on motion is proven to the dates of the court that this is established to be the last will and testament of Col. Neil Buie deed the same being duly proven in the court of law of this said county Fall Term 1839 to be sufficient to hold personal estate of this said will was ordered to be transmitted from the said court to the court of pleas...

Will "Daniel the Hatter" McNeill, 9 October 1837, Robeson County, NC
Source: Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, NC

read original: pg1 pg2 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2

["Daniel the Hatter" McNeill was the son of Godfrey McNeill and Catherine "Kitty" McDougald. Celia's Bridge near Lumberton was named for his wife, Celia, called Sealy or Celie.]

In the name of God Amen. I Daniel McNeill of the County of Robeson and the State of North Carolina being much afflicted in body but of sound and disposing mind do make this my last will & Testament in manner following to Wit -

Item 1st It is my desire that all my Just debts be paid with as little cost as pofsible. Item 2nd To my beloved wife Celia I give (or lend) all & singular every article of property both real & personal to her during her natural life or widowhood & afterwards to be divided as herein after directed to wit To my son William [William H. McNeill, married Charity Stone, daughter of Samuel Stone of Robeson County] I give one dollar to my Daughter Margaret I give one dollar To my son John [John D. McNeill, married Mary Cribb] I give Ten dollars to my daughter Ann [Celia Ann] I give Ten dollars to all and to each to have & to hold to them & their heirs forever,

Item 3rd To my son Daniel [called Dawsey, or Dorsey] I give one hundred acres of land including the Dwelling & out Houses where I now live to have & to hold forever

Item 4th To my son David I give the Remaining part of the land which I pofsefs to be laid off to him on the west end ot have & to hold forever

Item 5th It is my wish and desire that the remainder of my property be sold in such manner as shall be thought best by my representatives & the profits divided as follows To wit

1st I give to my son Enock fifty dollars to have and to hold forever exclusive of his proportionate part 2nd the remainder I wish to be Equally divided between my children to wit Elizabeth Ann one part Enock one part Catherine one part Susan one part David one part Daniel one part to them & each of them to have & to hold forever

Hereby revoking each and every former will by me made or by my directions signed & sealed in
{ This the 9th day of October 1837
presence of
Richd C Rhodes Daniel McNeill {Seal}
J D McNeill

Robeson County November Term 1837 -- Then was the Execution of this will proved in open Court by the Oath of Richard C Rhodes one of the subscribing witnefses thereto & ordered to be Recorded S Howell Clk

Will of Mary McNeill, widow of Alexander McNeill, 26 Dec 1839, Robeson County, NC
Source: Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, NC

read original: pg1 pg2 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1

[This is Mary "Polly" McEachern McNeill, the widow of Alexander McNeill, the son of Godfrey McNeill and Catherine McDougald. Polly was the daughter of Daniel McEachern and one of the daughters of James McNeill of Rockfish Creek whose name has been lost to time; some say her name was Flora but no one has proof of her first name. Alexander McNeill's 1822 Robeson Co. estate settlement shows he died around 1820, but the settlement contains no genealogical information. It does, however, indicate that much effort had gone into resolving the estate by November of 1821. Alexander is not listed as a head of household in 1820 so it is likely he died about 1818 or 1819. There are deeds that show Alex and Polly had an older son named James who died in the 1830s, and he is not mentioned in Polly's will below. In another Robeson County deed three of the children below are selling their share of their parents' lands.]

December 26th 1839

In the name of god Amen. I Mary McNeill of the County of Robeson and State of North Carolina being weeak of body but of sound mind and perfect memory thanks be to God for his mercy do ordain and make this my last will and Testament as follows viz _

After all my just debts are settled by selling our house and the ballance (should it be necefsary) taken out of cattle and sheep xxI also will and bequeath to my beloved Son Hector ["White Hector" McNeill, married Flora Ann McDougald, daughter of John McDougald] one horse and a mare bedsteadbed and furniture and one patent clock. Also to my beloved daughter Sarah [married Hector R.Graham who, a soldier, died a the end of the Civil War at Pettigrew Hospital in Raleigh, NC] one bedstead bed and furniture xxxAlso to my beloved daughter Mary [married widower Angus McDougald, no children] one bedstead bed and furniture and a spinning wheel xxAlso to my beloved daughter Anna [married Angus McDonald, no children] one bed and furniture xx Also to my beloved daughter Elizabeth [Married John J. Buie and moved to Georgia.] a bed and furniture xxAlso to my beloved daughter Catherine [Catherine Jane who married Archibald Campbell of Campbell's Bridge] bedding furniture and one dollar xxI also will and bequeath to my beloved daughters Sarah and Mary my loom with all its apperatus also all my geese but remain for the use of the whole family while living together xxAfter all my just debts are paid the Remaining part of my Stock of Cattle Hogs and Sheep are to be divided aqually between Hector Sarah Mary Anna and Elizabeth xxMy Negro woman Jenny shall remain on the premises during her life xx I also will and bequeath to my beloved son Donald ["White Daniel" McNeill, married Barbara Smith in 1822, and died in Arkansas] one dollar.

in presence xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxGiven under my hand and seal
of xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxher
John GrahamxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxMary X McNeill
Malcolm McEachern [Polly's brother] xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxmark

I appoint Capt Daniel Graham and my Son Hector executors to this my last will and Testament

North Carolina Robeson County} Court of Pleas and Quarter Sefsions - February Term 1844 [much legalese] proved by the oath of Malcolm McEachern... said Graham being dead. Sah Howell Clk

Will of Randal Currie, 9 June 1842, Robeson County, NC
Source: Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, NC

read original: pg1 pg2 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2, 3

In the Name of God Amen I Randal Currie of the State of North Carolina and County of Robeson Being of Sound and Perfect mind and Memory Blessed be God for it do this the ninth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty two make publish declare and ordain this my last will and testament annulling all former wills by me made and this one only to be taken as my last will and testament in manner following. That is to say I commit my Soul to God who gave it and my Body to the Earth from whence it was formed to be decently buried in a Christian like manner the expenditure to be at the discretion of my after named Executors.
Item 1st —I leave and bequeath to my beloved wife Nelly Currie [Long said to have been the daughter of Soloman Johnston, Jr. of Bladen/Robeson County, NC, but research supports the claim she was the daughter of John Johnston, Jr., son of "Big John" Johnston of Bladen/Robeson County.] as her dower of my land her lifetime Beginning at the end of the cross lane next to Stewart thence through said lane to the main road lane at the house then with a cross fence from the house to the swamp. All part South and East of the above boundary to be the dowry. I also leave one hundred and fifty acres the oldest tract of land I own to the dower for convenience of wood and timber to my wife during her lifetime. I also leave to her her lifetime my two Negro women Phebe and Fanny. I also leave to her her choice one of my horses and my mule Jenny. Also one third of stock of cattle and one half of my stock of hogs and one half of my stock of sheep and all my kitchen furniture and one third of the household furniture and I also leave to her one half of all my farming utensils and one of my carts. It is my will also and I ordain it to be done as my will that after my wifes death that my son Adam Currie [Adam married his first cousin, Flora Currie] should he survive his mother would possess and inherit the dowry land and the Negroes with their issue should there be any for him and his heirs for ever to possess and inherit them.
Item 2nd – I leave and bequeath to my daughter Mary Conoly, alias Mary McMillan, alias Mary Currie one dollar and no more to her and her heirs to be given to her or her legal representatives forever by my Executors after my decease.
Item 3rd – I give and bequeath to my daughter Flora Baxter my Negro girl named Hailey to her and her heirs forever.
Item 4th – I give and bequeath to my daughter Nelly McMillan alias Nelly Currie my Negro girl named Jude to her and her heirs forever.
Item 5th – I give and bequeath to my son Archibald J. Currie my Negro girl named Mary and my Negro named Jim to him and his heirs Forever.
Item 6th – I give and bequeath to my son John J. Currie [John Johnson Currie] my Negro girl Eliza and my Negro boy named John to him and his heirs forever and also my Negro girl Effy to John J. Currie to him and his heirs forever.
Item 7th – I give and bequeath to my son Alexander H. Currie my Negro girl Cate and my Negro boy Billy to him and his heirs forever.
Item 8th – I give and bequeath to Luther Currie son of Daniel J. Currie [Daniel Johnson Currie] in the state of Georgia my Negro girl Amanda to him and his heirs forever if he shall live to have heirs of his body. If not it is my will that my male heirs shall be his heirs as far as respects the Negro girl and her issue should there be any and as said Luther Currie is an orphan and only about seven or eight years old I nominate my son Adam Currie to be his guardian as far as respects the Negro girl and deliver said Amanda if she lives with her issue if any to said Luther when he will arrive at the age of twenty one years and not before.
Item 9th – I give and bequeath to my son Adam Currie my Negroes viz. Anne, Dick, Rachel, Flora Margret Anthony to him and his heirs forever and also give and bequeath myNegro woman Cloe to him forever for discharging some charge that I left with him to satisfy. Also I give and bequeath to my son Adam Currie all my lands supposed to contain about four hundred acres exclusive of his Mother's dower and also the dower land after his Mother's death. It is my will that he shall inherit possess and own it he and his heirs forever. It is also my will that my son A. Currie would own and possess all the issue and offspring of those Negroes that I willed to him from the date of this my will to be his and his heirs forever. I also bequeath to him Phebe and Fanny and their issue if any there be after his Mother's death to him and his heirs forever. I also leave and bequeath to him my son Adam Currie the one half of all my farming utensils previously referred and also my blacksmith shop and all its contents and my tools of all description and one third of the household furniture and one third of my stock of cattle and one half of my stock of hogs and one fourth of my stock of sheep and my books and should there be more than three horses left after my legal debts are paid my will is that Adam Currie should have them he and his heirs forever. But if the case should be that Adam Currie should die without lawful heirs of his body it is my will that my male heirs viz. Archibald J. Currie, John L. Currie and Alexander H. Currie be his legal heirs as far as I bequeathed to him in this my last will and testament. And should the case be that Adam Currie should die before his Mother it is my will that Archibald J. Currie, John L. Currie, and Alexander H. Currie be heirs entirely to all bequeathed to him and his Mother after her death.
Item 10th – I leave and bequeath to my daughter Sarah Currie my Negro Betsey and her daughter Lessie and all her issue from the date of this my last will and testament and my Negro boy Jack to her and the heirs of her body forever and also one horse and one third of my stock of cattle, one fourth of my stock of sheep, one third of my household furniture to be hers and the heirs of her body forever. It is my will and I ordain it as my will that that if Sarah dies without legitimate heirs of her body then male heirs viz. Archibald J. Currie, John L. Currie, Alexander H. Currie and Adam Currie and their heirs shall be the sole heirs of Sarah Currie as far as what I bequeath to her. But as I consider Sarah Currie not altogether sufficient to transact or manage the property herein bequeathed to a sufficient advantage it is my will and I ordain it to be done that Adam Currie shall have the whole management of her property as her guardian and that the hire of the said Negroes herein bequeathed shall at all times be appropriated to her life and support as necessary will occur until she have issue if ever she will and then she and her issue only to possess and enjoy the said bequeathed Negroes and their issue forever.
Item 11th – I leave and bequeath to Adam Currie my cart and gigg and harness.
Item 12th – I desire request that all my legal debts be paid. I leave for that purpose three bales cotton and one of my horses or mules to be sold for that purpose.
And I hereby make and ordain my loving sons viz. Archibald Currie, John L. Currie, Alexander H. Currie and Adam Currie and my most worthy friend Archibald Smith Executors of this my last will and testament.
In witness whereof the said Randal Currie have to this my last will and testament set my hand and affixed my seal the day and year above written.
Signed Sealed Published and declared by the said Randal Currie the Testator as his last will and Testament In the presence of us who were present at the time of signing and sealing thereof attest.
P McEachinxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxRandal Currie
Daniel McPhaul
Archibald McNeill Currie
November Term 1843 Then was the due and legal Execution of the within will proven in open court by the oaths of Peter McEachin and Archibald McNeill Currie two of the subscribing witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded in the Book of Wills. Sah Howell clk.
Adam Currie & Alexander H. Currie two of the Executors therein named qualified as such.
Recorded in Will Book A of Robeson County Page 425
Sah Howell, clk.

Will of Daniel McNeill, 9 February 1843, Robeson County, NC
Source: Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, NC

read original: pg1 pg2 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2

[This is Daniel McNeill who was known as "Marsh Daniel", one of the two sons — Daniel and John — of Mrs. Jane Campbell McNeill and her second husband Neill McNeill of Upper Little River in Cumberland County. "Marsh Daniel" married Mary Buie Brown, daughter of John Brown and Ala Bennett.]

I Daniel McNeill of the State of North Carolina the County of Robeson do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following. Viz. I give and bequeath to my Son John five hundred acres of Land (more or Lefs) situated in and on the East Side of the Raft Swamp which I purchased of James McNeill [This land transaction from James McNeill to Daniel took place in 1835 and was originally for a little over 200 acres at Saddletree. Exactly how the bequest became 500 acres is unknown; what Daniel inherited from his father in 1803 was on the south side of the Raft Swamp. The 1835 deed was witnessed by John McNeill and Neill McNeill. The James McNeill in the 1835 deed is stated to have been "of Robeson County" but exactly which James McNeill he was is unclear. He may have been the son of Alexander and Polly McEachern McNeill who did not live far away.]. I give and bequeath to my Son Neill four hundred and forty one acres of Land (more or Lefs) situated in and on the South side of the Great Marsh, which I purchased of Mary McLauchlin [This land was sold to Daniel in 1839 and was land granted to Angus Campbell and Roderick McSwain. It was located on and around the Wild Cat Branch of the Great Marsh.]. I give and bequeath to my Daughter Jane the sum of two hundred dollars. I give and bequeath to my daughter Ala the like sum of two hundred dollars. All the rest and residue of my Estate, Lands, Goods and chattels I give and bequeath equally between my Wife Mary [Mary Buie Brown] and Son William with this exception, if William die without issue before his mother all is to be hers her lifetime at her death the land to be divided equally between John and Neill the residue of the Estate between Jane and Ala equally, but if my Wife die first all is to be Williams, whom I nominate, constitute and appoint executor of this my last Will and testament, hereby revoking all other and former wills by me at any time heretofore made. In Witnefs whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the 9 day of February in the year of our Lord 1843

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxDaniel McNeill {Seal}

Signed, Sealed, published and declared by the said testator Daniel McNeill as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us who have subscribed our names as witnefses in the presence of the said testator
Test X Daniel McMillan
X William McMillan
John McMillan

State of North Carolina Robeson County} Court of Pleas & Quarter Sefsions February Term 1853

Will of Nelly Currie, 16 Sept 1846, Robeson County, NC
Source: Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, NC

read original: pg1 pg2 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2

[Nelly Johnson, widow of Randal Currie. Nelly Currie was likely the daughter of John Johns(t)on, Junior, son of "Big John" Johns(t)on of Bladen/Robeson County. It appears Nelly Johns(t)on Currie may have been the sister of Daniel Johnston, husband of Isabella Brown.]

In the name of god Amen
I Nelly Currie of the State of North Carolina and County of Robeson – being of sound and disposing mind and memory Blefsed be God for It I do this the Sixteenth day of September in the year of our Lord on thousand eight Hundred and forty six make publish and declare this to be my last will and Testament in manner and form following Viz. I commit my soul to God who gave it to be disposed of at his pleasure. My body to the earth from whence it was formed to be decently burried the Expences to be at the discretion of my after named Executors –
Item 1. and I leave and bequeath to my son Adam Currie [married Flora Currie, his 1st cousin] for the purpose of procuring necefsarys for my funeral and purchasing toomstones to be put at the head and foot of my Grave The following property viz. one mule one cart one waggon one still and its aparatus one steelyards one pare scales one clock one set of razors and hone – three pair spectacles and my stock of geese
Item 2. and I leave and bequeath to my daughter Mary Conoley [wife of James Conoly, her second husband] one dollar
Item 3rd I leave and bequeath to my daughter Flora Baxter [wife of Malcolm Baxter, her second husband] my side saddle and one half of my boddy clothes and one cow
Item 4th. I leave and bequeath to my daughter Nelly McMillan [wife of Duncan McMillan] one cow
Item 5th I leave and bequeath to my son Archibald J. Currie [married the widow Mary Shaw] one cow
Item 6th I leave and bequeath to my son John L. Currie [married Catherine McLeod] one cow
Item 7th I leave and bequeath to my son Alex H. Currie [married Sarah Gilchrist] one bed and its furniture and seven head of sheep
Item 8th I leave and bequeath to my Grandson Luther Currie son of Daniel J [Johnson] Currie one dollar
Item 9th I leave and bequeath to my son Adam Currie one half of my Kitchen furniture and all of my farming utentials and all of my crocker and knives and forks and all other articles which belongs to me which is not particularized in this my last will and Testament
Item 10th I leave and bequeath to my daughter Sarah Currie [never married] one half of Kitchen Furniture oen half of my wearing or body clothes and cloak and one bed and its furniture
Item 11 I leave and bequeath to my Grand daughter Nelly Currie [Born Nelly Johnson Currie, she married Romulus O. "Rom" Shooter in Texas in 1887; he abandoned her. Nelly Shooter stated she was a widow in the 1900 census; she ran the old hotel in Red Springs, NC, and died in Moore County where she is buried.] daughter of Adam Currie my wheel and cards
Item 12th I leave and bequeath to my Grandson and Grand daughter Randal Franklin Currie [married Harriett Ella McKay] and Nelly Currie the remaining part of my stock of cattle and sheep and hereby make and ordain my loving sons A H Currie and Adam Currie Executors of this my last will and Testament
In Witness whereof the said Nelly Currie have to this my last will and Testament set my hand and affixed my seal the day and year above written signed Sealed published and declared by the said Nelly Currie the Testator as her last will and Testament in presence of us who was present at the time of Signing and sealing thereof
Testxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxher
Turquil StewartxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxNellyxXxCurrie {seal}
John L. Stewartxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxmark

State of North Carolina Court of Pleas and Quarter Sefsions Robeson County May Term 1850 – Then was the last will and Testament of Nelly Currie admitted to probate and its due Execution proven by the subscribing witnefses thereto whereupon the oath was administered to Adam currie one of the Executors therein named the other executor Alexander H. Currie having renounced in Open court It was ordered by the Court that the said will and Testament aforesaid & the accompanying certificate of Probate be Recorded in the Book of Wills
Sah Howell Clk

Will of John Campbell, 2 February 1846, Robeson County, NC
Source: Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, NC

read original: pg1 pg2 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2, 3

I, John Campbell [only child and son of Archibald Campbell and the widow Mrs. Catherine (née McPherson) Patterson] of the County of Robeson and State of North Carolina, being of a sound and disposing mind and memory, but knowing the uncertainty of my earthly existence, do make ordain publish and disclose this to be my last will and testament. That is to say, I do appoint Major Alexander Watson [was this Major Alexander Watson John Campbell's nephew or the husband of Marian Buie of Cumberland County?] and Daniel Campbell, my son, to act as the executors of this my last will and testament and I make the following disposition of all my worldly goods. To wit: Item: I give to my dear wife, Catherine Campbell, during her natural life that portion of the tract of land on which I now reside lying below the narrow neck on both sides of Drowning Creek beginning at the lower corner of my 640 acre tract of land and runs around and terminates at the upper point of the narrow neck.

I give to my son Hugh [Hugh was a "3 and 1/2 foot dwarf" according to the 1850 census of Robeson County], if he should survive my wife Catherine, the above described tract of land during her natural life and at her death to my two grandsons, John Archibald Campbell and Matthew James Campbell, sons of my son Daniel Campbell. I give to my son Daniel Campbell during his natural life and at his death to his son Henry Alexander Campbell, a tract of two hundred acres of land on which he now lives lying on Drowning Creek adjoining the 640 acres above spoken of. I give to my son, Neill Campbell, the remaining portion of the 640 acre tract lying above the narrow neck. The line which will divide this tract between Neill and the portion already given to my wife Catherine and Hugh will start from the outside line of the 640 acre tract opposite the point of the narrow neck and runs thence direct to Drowning Creek. Also, I give to my son Neill Campbell, another piece of land containing about one hundred and forty acres. These dispositions of the remainder of the six hundred acre tract and the one hundred and forty acre piece is only given to my son Neill during his natural life, and at his death I give the land which I have given Neill Campbell a life estate, to my grandson John Archibald Campbell. Lastly, I give to my dear wife Catherine Campbell in her own right, and to be absolutely hers, all my personal property consisting of Negroes, horses, hogs, stock, household and kitchen furniture.Lastly, I give to my son Hugh Campbell, during his natural life and at his mother's death to Daniel Campbell's two sons, John Archibald Campbell and Matthew James Campbell, the tract of seventy acres joining the lands on which Centre Church and Floral College are situated.

John Campbell

Signed, sealed, published and declared by John Campbell to be his last will and testament in the presence of us who at his request and in his presence subscribed our names as wintesses this twenty eighth day of Feb 1846
John McInnis & Francis A. Terry

Will of John McPherson, 26 February 1839, Richmond County, NC
Source: Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, NC

In the name of god Amen. I John McPherson of the County of Richmond & State of No Carolina, being weak in body, but sound in mind & memory, calling to mind the certainty of Death, the uncertainty of its approach and the necefsity of being prepared to meet it, have thought proper to make and publish this my last Will and Testament in manner and form as follows Viz. My Land, one hundred cares, with its improvements I give and bequeath to my son Duncan _

My black woman Bett, I give and bequeath, share and share alike to my three children, James, Duncan & Mary the wife of A. Blue [Archibald Blue lived on Target Point on Drowning Creek, now Camp McCall], And I desire them to permit her the said Bett to live with whichever of the three she may chose.

Bob, a black boy and Rachel a black girl both still in my pofsefsion, I have heretofore conveyed Bob to my son James and Rachel to my son Duncan, which conveyances I acknowledge to be valid, and mention here only with a view to their confirmation – My stock of __t Cattle, Hogs and Sheep I desire shall be divided into four parts, three parts of which I desire my Executors to sell and apply the money to the use of My Daughter Marys Children. The other fourth part I give and bequeath share and share alike to my sons James and Duncan – My Blacksmith's Tools I give & bequeath to my son James – My young bay mare I give and bequeath to my son Duncan – My house hold furniture and farming utensils I desire to be divided equally between James Duncan & Mary the wife of A. Blue.

I request nominate and appoint my Two sons James and Duncan to Execute this my last Will and Testament.

The above and every part thereof I publish and declare to be my last Will and Testament this the 26th day of Feby in the year of our Lord 1839.

I witnefs whereof I hereunto subscribe my name and affix my seal. On the day and year above.

Signed & Sealed in the presence of xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx John McPherson his X mark
LB Bethune
Nathan Gibson
Allan McDonald

Will and Obituary of Malcolm McPherson, 16 September 1850, Chesterfield County, SC
SC Dept. of Archives and History, Columbia, SC

From Fayetteville Observer Marriage and Death Notices, 1841–1850, by Hubbard, p99:
November 12, 1850 issue: "At his residence in Chesterfield district near Cheraw on the 4th, Malcolm McPherson, aged about 68, formerly a resident of Cumberland County..."
_____

Along the side of the following will is written in his own hand, "The blotted lines in this will not to be noticed if offered for record. Malm McPherson" Also scribbled on the edge in another handwriting: "Peter McIntyre of Chesterfield cousin." In an attached estate paper from Marlboro District, SC, a Lauchlin McKinnon signs an oath stating he witnessed Malcolm McPherson sign his will. See the will for Duncan McPherson of Richmond County on this page which names Lauchlin McKinnon as a grandson. This connection may point to an important family connection between the Duncan McPherson of Richmond and Malcolm McPherson whose brother William McPherson lived in Richmond County.

_____

On front:
Last Will of Malcolm McPherson Senr

The State of South Carolina
Chesterfield District
To wit:
I, Malcolm McPherson Senr, of the District and State afroesaid, being reminded by bodily infirmities that an end shall come to the life which I now live in the flesh, but still, being of sound and disposing mind and memory, and desiring now to direct what disposition shall be made after my decease, of all my wordly goods do make, ordain and publish my last Will and Testament as follows: that is to say:

First: It is my will and desire, and my Executor hereinafter named shall at such early time after my decease, as to him shall seem proper, sell for cash, or good interest bearing securities, all my personal estate of what kind soever it may be, except such portions and particulars thereof as are hereinafter specifically bequeathed — and from and out of the proceeds thereof, and out of any money and the proceeds of any choses in action which shall be in my possession, or in the possession of any other for me, or which shall be due and owing unto me, my said Executor shall first pay and discharge in full, all my just debts, and the Expenses of my last Illness and decent interment. — and then the pecurinary legacies hereinafter mentioned and given:

Item: I give and devise unto my nephew, Malcolm McNair, all that Tract of Land, lying on Big Black Creek, in the District of Chesterfield aforesaid, containing Eight Hundred and fifty acres more or less, which was purchased by me, on the sixth day of March A.D. 1848, at a Sale, made by order of the Court of Ordinary for said District, of the real estate of Jane McLaughlin deceased and conveyed to me by William L. Robeson, Sheriff of said District, by deed bearing date on the Eighth day of March aforesaid and recorded in the Register's Office for said District in Book P. pages 411 & 412 – to the said Malcolm McNair, his heirs and assigns forever.

Item: I give and bequeath unto my niece, Catharine Powers, my negro woman slave, named Nancy, to the said Catharine and her assigns forever:

Item: I give and bequeath unto Malcolm Hugh Campbell, son of my nephew Daniel Campbell, my negro woman Lucy and her four children, Margianna, Sarah, John and Ned, with the future increase of the females to the said Malcolm Hugh Campbell and his assigns forever – subject however to a charge of the sum of Five Hundred Dollars to be by or on behalf of the said Malcolm Hugh Campbell, within two years _________ [a blank, drawn line in document] after my decease unto John M. Campbell, Ann Campbell, Catharine Campbell and Gracey Downey Campbell, the children of my nephew John P. Campbell by his second marriage, the said sum of Five Hundred Dollars to be equally divided between and among the said children – and for the payment of which said sum, the said negroes shall be held security.

~~Item: I give and bequeath unto Nancy, the daughter of Malcolm McNair, one cow and calf to be selected out of my Stock by my Executor~~.[this item crossed through lightly in document]

Item: I give and bequeath unto my sister, Mary McCall, now in Florida, the sum of One Hundred Dollars – but if my said sister shall not be living at my decease, the said sum of One Hundred Dollars shall be given to and equally divided between my nephews Malcolm McPherson and William McPherson who are now in the State of Alabama.

~~Item: I give and bequeath unto my niece, Sarah Porter, wife of Henry Porter, the sum of Five Hundred Dollars~~. [this item completely crossed through in document]

~~Item: I give and bequeath unto my Grand Nephew William Campbell, son of John P Campbell, the sum of One Hundred Dollars~~. [this item completely crossed through in document]

Item: I give and bequeath unto my sister, Nancy McNair, the sum of Three Hundred Dollars ($300.)

~~Item: I give and bequeath unto each one of my nieces, Gracey Alford, Nancy Brown and Flora Brown, the sum of Fifty Dollars~~. [this item completely crossed through in document]

Item: All the rest, residue and remainder of my estate, real and personal in possession, remainder, reversion or in action, and of the proceeds thereof, I give, devise and bequeath unto my nephew Daniel Campbell, and to the aforesaid Nancy McNair, ~~Sarah Porter~~ [crossed through] and Catharine Powers to be equally divided among them, share and share alike.

Lastly: I nominate, constitute and appoint, my nephew Daniel Campbell, to be sole executor of this my Will, hereby revoking all former wills.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 16th day of September in the year of our Lord One Thousand eight hundred and fifty.
Done by the said Malcolm McPherson in xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxMal.m McPherson
our presence, who at his request, in his presence and
in the presence of each other, signed as witnessesxxxxxxxxxxx
John C. Pervis
Lauchlin McKinnon
Geo. W. Bel

Will of John McNeill, 5 March 1850, Robeson County, NC
Source: Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, NC

read original: pg1 pg2 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2, 3

I John McNeill of the County of Robeson and State of North Carolina being of a sound mind and memory but considering the uncertainty of my earthly existance do make and declare this my last will and Testament in manner and form – following that is to say –

First that my executors shall provide for my body a decent burial sutable to the wishes of my Relations & Friends and pay all funeral Expenses Together with my just debts howsoever and to whomsoever owing out of the moneys that come into their hands as apart or parcel of my estate –

Item I give and evise to my beloved wife Margaret [née McMillan] one half of all my lands – during her Natural lifetime – also one half of all my negroe Slaves during her natural lifetime also all my stock of Cattle Hogs and Horses during her natural lifetime also all my Household and kitchen furniture during her natural lifetime also one half of my crop of corn cotton etc

Item I give and devise to my son John McNeill my negroe man Ted, Except the life estate of my wife devised in a former Item of this my will – also Except the interest divised to my son Henry McNeill –

Item I give and bequeath to my son Hector McNeill my negroe boy Randle except the life estate of my wife devised in a former Item of this my will also except the Interest devised to my son Henry McNeill

Item I give and bequeath to my son Neill McNeill my negroe girl Eliza and her increase except the life estate of my wife devised in a former Item of this my will – also except the Interest divised to my [no further text here]

Item I give and bequeath to my son Henry McNeill my negroe girl Harriet and her Increase except the life estate of my wife devised in a former Item of this my will

Item I give and bequeath to my grand daughter Sally McNeill my negroe girl Martha except the life estate aforesaid

Item I give and bequeath to my sons Henry and Hector McNeill my negro boy Patrick for & in consideration of the said Henry and Hector paying all my just debts

Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Flora wife of Angus McMillan fifty dollars to be paid twelve months after my decease also one Cow & Calf

Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Margaret wife of William Grimsley fifty dollars to be paid twelve months after my decease

Item I give and bequeath to my son Archd McNeill fifty dollars to be paid twelve months after my decease

Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Elizabeth wife of John Campbell ten dollars to be paid twelve months after my decease

Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Mary wife of William Campbell ten dollars to be paid twelve months after my decease

Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Catherine wife of William Graham Ten dollar to be paid twelve months after my decease

Item I give and devise to my son Henry McNeill all my lands except the life Estate of my wife devised in a former item of this my will to have and to hold to him and his Heirs in Fee Simple forever

Item I give and devise to my son Henry one half of all my negro Slaves for and during the Term of the natural life of my wife Margaret the said Henry to pay my grand Son Edwin C. McNeill [Edwin Chalmers McNeill] fifty dollars when the said Edwin is fifteen years of age

Item My will and desire is that my negro woman Pleasant shall live on the place during her life time

Item I give and bequeath to my sons Neill and Henry McNeill my wagon and cart

Item I give and devise to my son Henry McNeill all the residue of my estate after taking out the divises and legacies above mentioned my will and desire is that my son Henry McNeill shall live with my wife Margaret and take care of her for and during the time of her natural life and lastly I do hereby Constitute and appoint my Trusty sons John and Henry McNeill my lawful Executors to all intents and purposes to execute this my Last will and Testament according to the True Intent and meaning of the same and every part and Clause thereof hereby Revoking and declaring uterly void all other wills and Testaments by me heretofore made

In Witnefs whereof I the said John McNeill do hereunto set my hand and seal this 5th day of March A.D.1850

Signed Sealed published and declared by the said John McNeill to be his last will and Testament in the presence of us who at his request and in his presence do subscribe our names as Witnefses thereto
DW McLean
MA Campbellxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx John MacNeill

State of North Carolina Robeson County
Court of Pleas and quarter Sefsions February Term 1851
Then was the foregoing last will and testament of John McNeill offered for probate and the Execution thereof duly proven in Open Court by the Oath of Daniel W McLean and Milton A Campbell the two subscribing witnefses thereto whereupon it is ordered by the court that the same be recorded in the Book of Wills of Robeson County.
Sah Howell Clk

Will of Turquill McNeill, 5 March 1855, Dent County, Missouri
Source: Transcription by Trina Van Curen, descendant of Turquill McNeill; Vol A, p. 97, Reel C2305, Missouri State Archives, Jefferson City, MO

read original: pg1 pg2 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2, 3

This is Turquill McNeill, probably the youngest son of Malcolm McNeill and Nancy McNeill. He mentions the heirs of William Watson who was his brother-in-law in Cumberland County, NC, leaving him his interest in his father's lands in Moore and Cumberland counties. These two bequests reveal his parentage and reflect the conflict over his father's properties in NC that were ongoing at the writing of this will. Exactly what the one hundred dollars in Robeson County represents is unknown, but may pertain to the estates of his deceased parents.

Dent Co., MO, May 18th 1855
Turkwell McNeel, do declare the following to be my last will and testament ____ I divide my land by a line commencing at a corner described by a Stake marked A on the East Line of the SW ¼ of the NE ¼ of Section 23 5/_ 34N of 83 7W and running north to new fence to a corner designated by a Stake marked B then in a north west direction S ___ [could be 15, 150, 151, or something else here] feet from and in the direction of the petition Fence to a corner designated by a Stake marked C then in a north east direction in the direction of a __________ white oak tree marked D to the head of the creek then down the creek to a corner designated by a Stake marked E then in a north East direction to a corner on the Section line designated by a Stake marked F then to the north east corner of Section 23 I give the lower part to Elizabeth, my wife, during her life. I also give her my negro woman, Ama, during her life and my negro boy, Sam, during during her life also my all stock, except my Bay Filly and my Black during her life time also all my household and Kicthen furniture to dispose of as she pleases. I give to my son, Newton Jasper McNeel, the __________ part of my land forever on condition that he pay to my son, Malcolm McNeel, Nancy Brigman and Missouri Jane McNeel, my daughters the sum of One hundred dollars each. One third to be paid in 12 months after obtaining possession of said land and one third yearly thereafter. I give to my son, John A. McNeel, my negro boy Sam at the death of my wife Elizabeth forever on condition that he pay to my son, Malcolm McNeel, and my daughters, Nancy Brigman and Missouri Jane McNeel, the sum of sixty-seven dollars cash to be paid in 12 months after obtaining possession of the said negro. I give to my daughter, Nancy Brigman, and my Black Filly with a Side Saddle and Bridle worth $10 dollars I give to my daughter, Missouri Jane McNeel, my Bay Filly with a side saddle and bridle worth $10 dollars and if she should remain unmarried until the death of her mother, I give her one half of all my stock that may remain at that time. Also give her the privilege as one of the family on the place as long as she may remain unmarried if she should marry before the death of her mother, I give her a cow & calf out of the stock left to her mother. I give to my son, Poke, the __________ part of my land forever after the death of his mother. I also give him one half of the Stock which may remain at the death of his mother and if Missouri Jane, my daughter, should marry before the death of her mother then I give the whole of the stock that may remain at that time to my son, Poke. I also give to my son, Poke, all the farming utensils that may remain at that time. If the hundred dollars which I have in the possession of the county court of the Co of Robinson [Robeson] of the State of North Carolina can be obtained the expenses of obtaining it shall be paid out of it and the remainder divide equally among all my heirs. At the death of Elizabeth, my wife, I give my negro, Ama [This is Amy Edna who traveled with them from NC to Missouri, and who had been part of Elizabeth's father's estate.], her freedom forever. I give to the heirs of Wm Watson all the right title to any bonds that may decreed [or deeded] to me from my father’s Estate in the counties of Moore & Cumberton [he means Cumberland here] in the State of North Carolina. I appoint John A. McNeel as executor of my will.
Turkwil McNeel
Attest
Ezekiel Inman
J. S. Wofford
William J. Clift
A true copy of the original

County of Dent S.S.
The State of Missouri to all persons to whom these present shall come greeting know ye that the will and testament of Turkwill McNeel deceased last in due course of law been executed proved and recorded in the office of the clerk of the county court for dent County a copy of which is hereto answered and in as much as it appears that John A. McNeel has been appointed executor in and by the last will and testament to execute the same and to the end that the property of the testator may be preserved for those who shall appear to have a legalright or interest therein and that said will may be executed according to the request of the testator we do hereby authorize him the said John A. McNeel as such executor to collect and secure all and Singular ____ _______ and chattles rights and credits which were of the said Turkwill McNeel at the time of his death in whosoever hands or possession the same may one forward one to perform and fulfill all such duties as may be required upon him by said will so far as there shall be property and the law charge him and in general to do and perform all other acts and things which were or hereafter may be required of him by law in testimony whereof I Morris M. McSpadden, Clerk of the county court
In and for the county of Dent have Hereunto set my hand and the Seal of
Said court of ____ in Salem June the 12th A.D. 1855
Moses M. McSpadden Clerk

State of Missouri S.S.
County of Dent I Moses M. McSpadden Clerk of the Dent county Court do testify the foregoing letter Testamentary and of Administration were by me filed for record and
recorded in book D on the 11th day of June A.D. 1855 as recorded in Book D page _2
In testimony whereof I have herewith set my hand and the Seal of said Court official at office in Salem day and date above written.
Moses M. McSpadden Clerk

John A. McNeel executor letters of executorship filed June 11th as approved June 12th A.D. 1855
McSpadden clerk

The above copy of will and letters of letters of executorship filed May the 31st 1879 and recorded same date J. R. Callahan Probate Judge

Will of Archibald "Wild Archie" McNeill, 10 July 1862, Robeson County
Source: Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, NC

read original: pg1 pg2 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2, 3 | Photo

[The son of "Long Duncan" McNeill, son of Turquill McNeill of the Argyll Colony, and his wife Margaret McNeill, daughter of James McNeill of Rockfish Creek and his wife Elizabeth McNeill.]

In the name of God Amen. the 10th day of July A.D. 1862.

I Archibald McNeill of the County of Robeson and State of North Carolina being in a sound state of mind & memory, but calling to mind the frail tenure of this life & that it is appointed to all men once to die, do make & ordain this last will & testament; that is to say I give bequeath and dispose of it in manner and proportion here following:

First I give and bequeath to my daughter Mary Jane McNeill, my negro woman Martha, & her daughter Eliza Jane & her son Hector. And should my said negro woman Martha continue to increase, then I give and bequeath her first issue to my daughter Harriet McKay.

2nd I give and bequeath to my daughter Mary Jane McNeill Two Hundred & ten Acres of land including my present residence.

3rd I give and bequeath to my son Daniel McNeill Fifty acres of Land - the lower fifty acres.

4. I give and bequeath to my daughter Mary Jane McNeill all my stock of cattle, hogs & sheep and also my roan Horse.

5 I also give and bequeath to my Daughter Mary Jane McNeill my farming utensils so far as may be necefsary to the cultivation of the farm.

6 It is my will that my black Smith tools be sold & the value thereof, together with all my notes and accounts be applied to the payment of my just and lawful debts.

7 I give and bequeath to my daughter Mary Jane McNeill all my Household and Kitchen furniture.

And finally I do hereby appoint and constitute my highly esteemed friend Alexander Graham the sole Executor of this my last will & testament. In witnefs wherof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day & year above written.

Test John H. McMillanxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx his
W.J. McLeodxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Archibald X McNeill
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx mark

Will of Neill T. McNeill, 4 October 1878, Robeson County
Source: Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, NC

read original: pg1 pg2 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2, 3

This is Neill T. McNeill, son of Neill McNeill who died in 1831 in Robeson County, per several official and private records. Some descendants claim Neill T. McNeill was a son of "Shoemaker John" McNeill but that it not correct. Neill McNeill who died in 1831 was the oldest of the two sons of "Shoemaker John" McNeill. "Shoemaker John" was born in the 1730s and was dead in 1784. Neill T. McNeill was born in 1788, born to Neill McNeill who died in 1831 and his wife Flora, likely the legendary Flora Riddle of this family.

I Neill T McNeill of the County of Robeson and State of North Carolina being of sound mind and memory but considering the uncertainty of my Earthly existence do make and declair this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following: That is to say First that my Executor hereafter named shall provide for my body a decent burial suitable to the wishes of my relations and friends, and pay all funeral expenses together with my Just debts howsoever and to whomsoever owing out of the monies that may first come into his hands as a part or parcell of my Estate:

Item 2d I give and devise to my three Daughters Mary Jane and Flora (single) and Sarah McBryde wife of Joseph A. McBryde Jointly one Hundred and four and a half acres of Land in Two Surveys Joining the land of Archibald & William P. McNeill [Archibald and William Peterson McNeill were Neill T. McNeill's younger brothers] and others including the residence where I now live together with my entire Plantation with all of the improvements, and also all of the live stock that is or may be on the premises owned by me. Also one Cariage and Harness and all of the House hold and Kitchen furniture to have and to hold to them and their heirs in fee simple forever. And lastly I do hereby constitute and appoint my trusty friend Joseph A. McBryde [Neill T. McNeill's son-in-law] my lawful Executor to all intents and purposes to execute this my last will and Testament according to the true intent and meaning of the same and every part and clause thereof revoking and declairing utterly void all other wills and Testaments by me heretofore made in witness whereof I the said Neill T. McNeill do hereunto set my hand and seal this the 4th day of October A.D. 1878.

Signed sealed and delivered published and declared by the said Neill T. McNeill to be his last will and Testament in presence of us who at his request and in his presence do subscribe our names as witnesses thereunto.

H.H. Hodgin his
D. Bethune Neill T. MacNeill
        &nbmark

State of North Carolina Robeson County
Justice Court Smith's Township
Personally appeared before me the undersigned and acting Justice of the Peace of said County David Bethune the subscribing witness to the above will who acknowledges on oath that he witnessed the due execution of the said last will and Testament given under my hand this the 20th day of Decr 1881 [date of probate].
D.B. McLean, J.P.

Will of Amanda F. McNeill Carter, 29 August 1902, Robeson County
Source: Ancestry.com

read original: pg1 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2

[Amanda F. McNeill, wife of James M. Carter, was the only child of Hector N. McNeill ("White Hector" McNeill) and his wife Flora Ann McDougald. It's not known why in her will below Amanda called her aunt Elizabeth Buie's children 'McBuie'.]

State of North Carolina, Robeson County Lumber Bridge township. In the year of our Lord one thousand nineteen hundred and one, eighth month and the 29th day In the name of God Amen I Amanda F. Carter, being in sound mind yet in feeble health do make this my last will and testament. First, I will my soul to God its Creator, and my body to the Earth from which it was made. Item first, I give and bequeath to my beloved husband James M. Carter, all my real estate being and lying Lumber Bridge township on the east side of Raft swamp joining the land of Brown McCallum (now deceased) and others, also all my personal property to have and to keep and to use as he sees best. Item Second, I give and bequeath to my Aunt Betsy McBuie's children each one dollar. Macky McBuie one dollar, Sarah Jane McBuie one dollar Ann McBuie one dollar, one born in Georgia name unknown one dollar. And to my Uncle Daniel McNeill ["White Daniel" McNeill, son of Alexander and Mary McEahern McNeill] his children one dollar each, William McNeill one dollar Mrs. Harret Stradley one dollar, Mrs. Flora Buiest one dollar, and Mrs. Jane McDaniel one dollar, and to my Aunt Catherine Campbells children each one dollar. Daniel Campbell one dollar, Mary C Campbell one dollar, Alexander Campbell one dollar. To be paid to them by my executor where I appoint in this my last will and testament. I give, devise, and bequeath, to my beloved husband James M. Carter, Whom I ordain and make executor to this my last will and testament, and I publish this to be my last will and testament. Amen. In Witness whereof I have hereunto put my hand the day and year first above written.
Amanda F Carter {Seal}
Witness Timothy Currie, D.B. McLauchlin

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Wills Section

Will of Neill McNeill ("the lost generation") of Jobes Branch, 26 August 1831, Robeson County Source: Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, NC read original: pg1 pg2 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2, | Photo

Will of Neill McNeill ("the lost generation") of Jobes Branch, 26 August 1831, Robeson County
Source: Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, NC

read original: pg1 pg2 | Family Chart | Related Deeds: 1, 2, | Photo