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Thomas Ashley Jr. (abt. 1710 - bef. 1790)

Thomas Ashley Jr.
Born about in Chowan Precinct, Albemarle County, Province of Carolinamap
Son of and
Brother of , , and
Husband of — married about 1731 in Bertie Precinct, Albemarle County, Province of North Carolinamap
Descendants descendants
Father of , and
Died before before about age 80 in Bertie County, North Carolina, USAmap
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Profile last modified | Created 31 Oct 2010
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Contents

Biography

Parentage; Date and Place of Birth

Thomas Ashley, Jr. was the son of Thomas Ashley, Sr and Ann (Unknown) Ashley of Chowan/Bertie, North Carolina. Based on the fact that his father was probably born in 1689 or perhaps a few years earlier and the fact that he was married when David Hicks made his will in of the September 1732,[1] he was probably born sometime in 1708-1711. Since there is a record from 1708 that shows that his father was in Chowan Precinct, Albemarle County, North Carolina starting in 1708,[2] he was probably born there.

Spouse; Marriage

Thomas married a woman whose maiden name was Hicks. Her maiden name is established by a bequest in the 1732 will of David Hicks to "Thomas Ahsly Jr my son-in-law." As discussed in his wife's profile, while some genealogists have speculated that her first name was Lucretia or Ann, it was most likely Elizabeth, since Thomas's will states that that was his wife's name.

Based on Thomas's estimated date of birth 1708-11 and the fact that they were married at the time David Hicks made his will on September 9, 1732, it is likely that Thomas and Elizabeth Hicks were married sometime in 1730-2. Since both of their parents were living in Bertie Precinct at the time, they were no doubt married there.

Children

Thomas and Elizabeth had the following children:

  • [daughter], m. (John?) Harris, d. before 1784, had son Amos Harris (not Harrell)[3] (heir to most of Thomas's estate)[4]
  • Ann, b. probably sometime in 1730-4, m. about 1753 Humphrey Lawrence in Bertie County, d. after December 1772 but before October 1784 (not mentioned in Thomas' will)
  • Elizabeth, m. (Aaron?) Boulton[5]
  • Mary, m. (Charles?) Hodgson[6]

Some Ashley family trees show that this profile's Thomas Jr had a son named John. That proposition appears to be based on the 1765 deed by John Ashley of Bertie of land that Lawrence Sarson sold to "Thomas Ashley father of said John Ashley."[7] However, Lawrence Sarson died in 1726,[8] when this profile's Thomas Ashley would have only been about 15 years old, which means the Thomas Ashley referred to in the 1765 deed must have been Thomas Ashley Sr and thus John Ashley referred to in that deed must have been the brother of this profile's Thomas Ashley. There is, in fact, no evidence suggesting that this profile's Thomas Ashley had a son named John (or any other son, for that matter).

Occupation

At least in his old age, Thomas was a "planter," based on his being described as such in a 1790 deed.[1]

Will, Death, Estate

Thomas made his will on October 9, 1784, but it was not proved until August 2, 1790,[9] which means that he probably died shortly before the later date. The inventory of his personal estate taken by his Amos Harris and included 2 Negroes, 5 head of cattle, 30 head of hogs.[10]

Transcription of Last Will & Testament

In the Name of God Amen the Ninth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & eighty four, I Thomas Ashley of Bertie County in the State of North Carolina being weak in Body but of perfect mind & memory thanks be to God for the same and calling to mind that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make and ordain this and none other to be my Last Will & Testament that is to say principally & first of all I recommend my soul to God that gave it & my body to be buried in the Earth in a Christian like manner at the discretion of my Executors and as touching such worldly Estate as it hath pleased God to bestow on me I give & dispose of the same in the following manner & form. First - I give unto my daughter Elizabeth Boulton one Negro woman named [Laurlie]. Item - I give unto my Daughter Mary Hodgson one feather bed & furniture & one chest of sweet gumwood & one small black walnut table & three cows & pigs. Item, I give unto my grandson Amos Harrice[3] the Land & plantation where I now Live, containing one hundred & twenty-five acres to him his heirs & assigns forever. I likewise give unto the said Amos Harrice one Negro man named Jack & one Negro man named Nedd & all the remaining part of my estate that is not given away before. Lastly - I do hereby appoint my loving wife Elizabeth Ashely my Executrix & my grandson Amos Harrice my Executor of this my Last Will revoking & disannulling all other Wills before by me made ratifying & confirming this and no other to be my Last Will & Testament -- but take notice notwithstanding the above it is my will and desire that my wife Elizabeth Ashley shall have possess and enjoy all [unreadable] part of my estate during her natural life & after her decease to be divided as above. Signed, sealed published pronounced and delivered to be my Last Will & Testament.

Thomas (T his mark) Ashley

In the presents of us: W. Nicholls, Henry Nicholls, Lucretia Crickett

State of No Carolina, Bertie County 2 Aug 1790. The Last will & Testament of Thomas Ashley Decd was proved in due form of last by the oath of Henry Nicholls one of the subscribing witnesses and ordered to be recorded. Steven [Grady][11]

Chronology of Records

  • 1732. Will of David Hicks of Chowan County, dated September 9, 1732, contains a bequest to "Thomas Ahsly Jr my son-in-law," is witnessed by Thomas Ashley, and refers to daughter Lucretia and other unnamed children.[12]
  • 1734. Deed by Daniel Frazor to Coll. Robert West. May 6, 1734. ". . . all my right title and interest to within mentioned lands . . . in consideration of which West has given me in exchange (200 A) . . . being part of tract where Daniel Frazor now lives . . ." Wit: Nicholas Fairless, Thomas Sutton, Thomas Ashley, Richard Sparkman. May Court 1734[13] (Unclear whether this record relates to this profile's Thomas or his father.)
  • 1734. Deed by Coll. Robert West to Daniell Frazo. May 6, 1734. (exchange: 100 A. for 200A.) Land at mouth of WIld Catt Cutt on Loosing Swamp. Wit: Nicholas Fairless, Thomas Ashley, Richard Sperkman, Thomas Sutton. May court 1734[14] (Unclear whether this record relates to this profile's Thomas or his father.)
  • 1734. Bertie Co Court Minutes, May 14, 1734. Ordd. That Thos Ashley adm and Ann Byrd Adm adm. in right of his wife Ann of Thos. Williamson decd. be Sumd. to appear at ye next Court to Shew Cause why they have not returned an Inventory of ye Est. of Thos. Williamson decd. (Unclear whether this record relates to this profile's Thomas or his father.)
  • 1734. Acct. of sale Sept 2, by Thomas Ashley, admr. of Thos. Williamson. Buyers: James Castelaw, John Bird, Wm. Ashley, Thos Ashley, Senr., Edwr Bird, and Wm. Bird. (Unclear whether this record relates to both this profile's Thomas and his father or solely his father.)
  • 1735. Deed by Thomas Ryan & wife Martha to Jacob Parrott. May 1, 1735. 200 pds. for 200 A. in Ducking Run "joyning on Mr Duckingfields land," John Hardy, Thomas Ashley Jun., "to Lucrite Hick land" at Troublesome Branch. Wit: Edward Razer, William Ashley, John Padgett. August Ct, 1736.[15]
  • 1735. Deed by George Phenney and wife Penelope to Thomas Jones of Norfolk, Co VA. Oct 14, 1735. 5000 pds. for 13, 947 A. consisting of 9 separate tracts, including "Edenhouse plantation . . . at Salmon Creek." Wit: Thomas Ashley, jurat, John Asshley. May Court 1736[16] (Unclear whether this record relates to this profile's Thomas or his father.)
  • 1736. Deed by Thomas Ryan planter of Bertie Precinct to Jacob Parott on May 1, 1736 of 200 acres adjoining Mr. Duckenfield, John Hardy, Thomas Ashley and Averit Hick. Wit; Edward Rasor, William Ashley, John Padget[17] (Unclear whether this record relates to this profile's Thomas or his son.)
  • 1740. Deed by John Thomson (Thompson) to George Lockhart. Jan. 8, 1739/40. 333 pds. 6 sh. 8 p. for 1/2 estate of David Henderson. Wit: James Lockhart, Thomas Ashley, John Cook, NC Court Jan 11, 1739.[18] (Unclear whether this record relates to this profile's Thomas or his father.)
  • 1740. Bertie & Edgecomb list of jurymen includes Thomas Ashley Junior and Alfrede Ashley[19]
  • 1740. Deed by Thomas Lovick of Carteret County to Thomas Ashley. August 2, 1740. 26 pds. for 420 A. " . . Thomas Lovick appointed Executor in Last Will and Testament of Laurence Larson late of the County of Bertie . . . sell(s) unto Thomas Ashley . . ." land on Blackwalnut Swamp adj. ___ Hardy. Land granted Thomas Pollock and assigned to Laurence Larson by deed April 5, 1720. Wit: Robert Lovick, James Carlee. Aug. Court 1740[20] (Unclear whether this record relates to this profile's Thomas or his father.)
  • 1742. Deed by Thomas Ashley, Sen. to Thomas Ashley, Jun. August, 1742 . 100 pds., for 120 A. On Cashoke Creek adj. Henry Van Luven. Wit: John Hill, William Ashley. Aug. Court 1742.[21]
  • 1744. Aug. Both Thos. Ashley Jr & Thos. Ashley Sr were buyers at John Hollbrook’s estate sale. Thos. Ashley was paid money from estate of John Holbrook.
  • 1746. John Sullivan (orphan of Murter Sullivan) placed under tuition of Thos. Ashley[22] (Unclear whether this record relates to this profile's Thomas or his father.)
  • 1747. Deed by Henry Van Luven to Thomas Ashley. July 20, 1747. 10 pds. for 82 acres on WS Cashoke Swamp adj. Thomas Ashborns Corner “to the mouth of a great branch opposite the old Plantation . . . to line of Vanluven & West . . .” Wit: Thomas Ryan, Andrew Thompson, Andrew Moore. Aug Ct 1747.[23] (This record probably relates to this profile's Thomas rather than his father, since the same land in gifted by this profile's Thomas to his Humphrey Lawrence in 1753.)
  • 1747. Deed by Richard Odam & Susannah Widow of Jacob Odam to James McDowall, merchant. Oct. 7, 1747. 25 pds. for 100 A. On Connaritsit Swamp adj. Nathaniel Williams, James Row, ". . . it being the land left me by my father Jacob Odam . . ." Wit: Thomas Ashley, Richard Ashley, John Hendricks. Nov. Court 1747.[24] (Unclear whether this record relates to this profile's Thomas or his father.)
  • 1749. Will of John Hollbrook of Bertie County, dated April 29, 1749. Executors: Col. Robert West, Thomas Ryan. Witnesses: Roger Snell, Thos. Ashly, Junr., Thomas Ashburn[25]
  • 1753. Deed by Thomas Ashley, Jun. to Humphrey Lawrence, goldsmith. Nov. 2, 1753. Deed of Gift. 82 A. ". . . for love . . . we bear unto our well beloved Daughter Ann intermarried with the s’d Humphrey . . .” Land on WS Cashoke Swamp. Adj. Thomas Ashbourne, to the Great Branch “opposite the Old Plantation”. Thomas Ashley, Henry VanLuven, Robert West, Jun. The same land which was bought of Henry VanLuven July 20, 1747. Wit: Samuel Ormes, Jane (?) Ormes, Nov Court 1753.[26]
  • 1761. Deed by William Byrd planter of Bertie co., son of Edward Byrd dec'd, to Thomas Hawkins planter of same. 5l proclamation. 220 acres (messuage), joining Cypress Swamp, the line of a patent obtained by John Plowman 10 Aug 1720, including 1/2 the island. Wit. Thom. Ashley, Moses Field, Araon Powell. Jan Ct 1761.[27] (Unclear whether this record relates to this profile's Thomas or his father.)
  • 1761. Will of Thomas Ashley of Bertie County, probated in October 1, 1760-October 1, 1761, administration granted to Ann Ashley, Thomas Ashley and John Ashley[28][29]
  • 1768. Deed by Robert West of Bertie Co to Thomas Leath of same. 23 Mar 1768. 13 pds. 50 acres (messuage) between Joseph Demsey & Thomas Ashley. Wit: Charles Worth Jaicocks, Saml. Power. Mar Ct 1768.[30]
  • 1772. Deed by Thomas Leath of Hide Co to Ann Lawrence relict of Humphrey dec’d of same. 28 Dec. 12 pds. proclamation. 50 acres (messuage) between Joseph Demcy & Thomas Ashley. Wit: Charles Hodgson, Frederick Lawrence. May Ct 1774. John Johnston C J C. Bertie Deeds M-67
  • 1772. Ordered that Thomas Ashley be appointed Gardien to Nathaniel Larrence on his giving security in the sum of Six hundred pounds which Security is accordingly given by Frederick Lawrence Asah? Larrence” Bertie County North Carolina County Court Minutes 1772 thru 1780. Book IV, Durham, North Carolina: 1979.
  • 1777. Deed by Isham Webb of Tyrell Co to William Merideth of Bertie Co. 24 Mar . 60 pds. proclamation. 110 acres which was 1/3 part of 330 acres which had been sold by Robert & Thomas West to John Webb joining sd Meridith, Thomas Ashley, Frederick Lawrence, Ann Humphries, Wit: Robert West, H. Nicholls. May Ct 1778. Bertie Deeds M-336
  • Ashley to Bolton (index only exists). Bertie Deeds N-1
  • 1784. Thomas Ashley Jr. of Bertie County made his will on October 9, 1784[9]
  • 1785. State Grant #77 to Amos Harriss 23 Sept 160 acres joining Frederick Lawrence, Joseph Darray, William Meredith, Thomas Ashley, Richard Caswell gov. Bertie Deeds N-127
  • 1785. State Grant #70 to Frederick Lawrence 23 Sept . 243 acres joining Bucklesberry, William Hooten, Poplar, West, Ashly, Humphrey Nicholls, Richard Caswell gov. Bertie Deeds N-130
  • 1787. Deed by William Meredith planter of Pasquotank Co to Richard Dillon of Bertie Co 25 Aug 80¬£ proclamation. 250 acres joining Round Pocoson, Thomas Ashley, George Lockhart, Robert West. Also signed by Sarah Merideth. Wit: William Hootin, John Nicholls, May Ct 1787. Bertie Deeds O-91
  • 1789. Deed by Richard Dillon cooper of Bertie Co to Capt Andrew Stanton mariner of same 17 Nov . 250¬£ proclamation. 250 acres joining Round Pocoson, Thomas Ashley, George Lockhart, Robert West, Also signed by Ann Dillon. Wit: John Fleetwood, Hardy Glauhon. Nov Ct 1789. Bertie Deeds P-37
  • 1790. Deed by Thomas Ashley planter of Bertie Co to Amos Harris planter of same. 17 May . 100¬£ 120 acres on a branch of Cashoke Creek joining Henry Vanleuv. Wit: Frederick Lawrence, John Walston, Sd Amos Harris agreed to let Thomas Harris & his wife Elizabeth to have their lifetime on the sd plantation. This witnessed by Frederick Lawrence, John Walston, Geo Lockhart. May Ct 1790. Bertie Deeds P-90
  • 1790. Will of Thomas Ashley, deceased, proved in Bertie on August 2, 1790[9]

Sources

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 See "Records" in this profile.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 See "Records" in the profile for his father Thomas Ashley, Sr.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 The abstract of Thomas' will in North Carolina Historical and Genealogical Register, Vol II, p 324 shows his grandson's name as "Amos Harrell." However, the copy of his will on ancestry.com transcribed in this profile appears to show his name as "Amos Harrice" and the inventory of Thomas's estate fairly clearly shows his name as "Amos Harris," which is also consistent with other records relating to Amos Harris.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Based on reference in Thomas' will to grandson Amos Harris.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Based on reference in Thomas' will to daughter Elizabeth Boulton.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Based on reference in Thomas' will to daughter Mary Hodgson.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 See "Records in the profile for brother John Ashley.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Bryan Grimes, "Abstract of North Carolina Wills," 1910, p 327
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 See "Transcription of Last Will & Testament" in this profile.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Wills and Estate Papers (Bertie County), 1663-1978; Author: North Carolina. Division of Archives and History (Raleigh, North Carolina); Probate Place: Bertie, North Carolina
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 North Carolina, Wills and Probate Records,1665-1998 for Thomas Ashley, Bertie Will Records, Vol 1-3, Abe-Hard, 1749-1844
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 See "Transcription of Last Will & Testament" in the profile for David Hicks.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 Mary Best Bell, Colonial Bertie County North Carolina, Deed Books A-H, 1720-1757, Southern Historical Press, 1963, p 99 (Deed Book D-92)
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Mary Best Bell, Colonial Bertie County North Carolina, Deed Books A-H, 1720-1757, Southern Historical Press, 1963, p 99 (Deed Book D-93)
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 Mary Best Bell, Colonial Bertie County North Carolina, Deed Books A-H, 1720-1757, Southern Historical Press, 1963, p 116 (Deed Book E-14)
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Mary Best Bell, Colonial Bertie County North Carolina, Deed Books A-H, 1720-1757, Southern Historical Press, 1963, p 114 (Deed Book D-229)
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 Stephen E. Bradley, Jr., "The Deeds of Bertie County, North Carolina, 1757-72," 1992, p 38, #406 (Deed Book K -179-A)
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 Mary Best Bell, Colonial Bertie County North Carolina, Deed Books A-H, 1720-1757, Southern Historical Press, 1963, p 210 (Deed Book G-325)
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 "The Colonial Records of North Carolina, Vol IV - 1734 to 1752," 1886, p 522
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 Mary Best Bell, Colonial Bertie County North Carolina, Deed Books A-H, 1720-1757, Southern Historical Press, 1963, p 157 (Deed Book F-139)
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 Mary Best Bell, Colonial Bertie County North Carolina, Deed Books A-H, 1720-1757, Southern Historical Press, 1963, p 174 (Deed Book F-371)
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 The North Carolina Historical and Genealogical Register, Vol II, 1901, p 629
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 Mary Best Bell, Colonial Bertie County North Carolina, Deed Books A-H, 1720-1757, Southern Historical Press, 1963, p 191 (Deed Book G-56)
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 Mary Best Bell, Colonial Bertie County North Carolina, Deed Books A-H, 1720-1757, Southern Historical Press, 1963, p 193 (Deed Book G-84)
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 Bryan Grimes, "Abstract of North Carolina Wills," 1910, p 169
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 Mary Best Bell, Colonial Bertie County North Carolina, Deed Books A-H, 1720-1757, Southern Historical Press, 1963, p 229 (Deed Book H-37)
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 Stephen E. Bradley, Jr., "The Deeds of Bertie County, North Carolina, 1757-72," 1992, p 27, #285 (Deed Book K-19)
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 Ransom McBride, "Returns of Wills & Administration Granted in North Carolina, 1753-90," The North Carolina Genealogical Society Journal, Vol 13, No 4 (Nov 1987), p 224
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 Stephen E. Bradley, Jr., "Early Records of North Carolina,1753-1790, Vol I: Probates, Administrations, Inventories," 1992, p 14
  30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 Stephen E. Bradley, Jr., "The Deeds of Bertie County, North Carolina, 1757-72," 1992, p 73, #784 (Deed Book L-2 -121)




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