Thomas Harris (abt. 1712 - 1784)

Born about 1712 in The Forks, Hanover County, Virginia

Ancestors

Died 16 Feb 1784 at about age 72 in Prince Edward County, Virginia

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Biography

He was born about 1712 at The Forks, Hanover County, Virginia and his parents were Mary (Giles) and William Harris (1672-c1746).

On 24 March 1725 his father, William Harris of Hanover County, Virginia was issued a patent to 400 acres of land, Iying on the Harris fork of Cub Creek in Hanover County, Virginia, adjoining the lands of William Harris. Thomas Harris, also took out a land patent for 400 acres on the same day, at the same location on Cubb Creek.

Thomas Harris married in Hanover County, Virginia to Elizabeth Lindsay, who was his only wife and who survived him.

In 1742 that area of Cub Creek fell into the newly formed Louisa County, Virginia,

On 14 May 1746, the brothers, Thomas Harris and David Harris, both witnessed a deed of land on Cubb Creek from Blalock to Parish.

His brother, David Harris, spearheaded the move from Hanover County to the land that later became Prince Edward County, Virginia where many of his brothers and their sons moved to. ^[1]

In 1754 part of Amelia County went into the formation of Prince Edward County, Virginia.

Thomas Harris wrote a diary concerning his life and family which was in the custody of the late Lee Harris of Lebanon, Tennessee, USA. At the last report of these papers, they had become fragile and had disintegrated beyond use.

Thomas Harris made his last Will on 06 July 1782.

He died on 16 Feb 1784 in Prince Edward County, Virginia.

Will

"In the Name of God, Amen: This sixth day of July 1782, I, Thomas Harris of Prince Edward County, being weak of body, but of sound mind, memory, and understanding, do make, constitute and declare this my last Will and testament in manner and form following ...

That is to say first, I will and order that all of my just debts and funeral expenses be discharged and paid off as soon as conveniently may be after my decease, by my executors hereafter named.

Item: I give and bequeath to my true and well beloved wife, Elizabeth, the plantation whereon I dwell containing 150 acres more or less, for her and her heirs forever; also my horses, cattle, sheep, hogs, household furniture and implements of husbandry to her and her heirs, etc., forever and no more.

Item: I will and order if any part of my estate be left after my wife, Elizabeth, deceases, to be equally divided amongst my children (to wit) David, John, Peter, Shurred.

Elizabeth and David Harris, executors of this my last Will and testament.

In Witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal the date above written.

(signature) Thomas Harris (his X mark)

Signed sealed and acknowledged by the said Thomas Harris to be his last Will and testament, in presence of us,

(signatures) John Simmons, Joseph Simmons, Richard Peed.

At a Court held for Prince Edward County, February 16 1784, this last Will and testament of Thomas Harris, deceased, was presented in Court and proved by two of the witnesses thereto, and ordered to be recorded.

On the motion of Elizabeth Harris and David Harris, executors therein named, who gave bond and took the oath required by law, certificate for obtaining probat thereof in due form is granted them.

Teste: F. Watkins, Court Clerk, seal

Sources

1. ↑ J. Barrye Wall, owner of "The Farmville Herald" of Farmville, Virginia

• http://trees.ancestry.com/pt/AMTCitationRedir.aspx?tid=55694525&pid=275 Ancestry Family Tree submitted by ancestry.com member

Acknowledgements

• Harris-949 was created on 18 Jan 2011 through the import of Alvis families 9a.ged

• Harris-9112 was created on 26 Jul 2013 by Katie Reed through the import of Reed Family Tree.ged