Milly (Dunning) Bruce (abt. 1764 - 1844)

Born about 1764 in North Carolina [uncertain]

Ancestors

Wife of Jeremiah Bruce — married 1782 in Bertie, North Carolina, United States

Descendants

Died Apr 1844 at about age 80 in Hopkins, Kentucky, United States

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Biography

Milly Dunning was born about 1764 in Bertie, North Carolina.

She married Jeremiah Bruce and they had the following known children:

1. Biddy Bruce m. Kader Harrel
2. Dunning Bruce
3. Cader Bruce m. Sarah "Sally" Howard
4. Sarah Bruce m. Mr. Dunning
5. Abner Bruce m. Martha "Patsy" Parrish
6. Delilah Bruce m. Uriah Marsh

In 1810, Millie Bruce was recorded in the U.S. Census as head of an 11 person household including 7 slaves, in Hertford, North Carolina.^[1] This validates the fact that her husband Jeremiah died prior to the enumeration. Sometime after the census, she and her family moved to Hopkins County, Kentucky.

In 1820, Milly Bruce was enumerated in Hopkins County, Kentucky as head of a nine person household including 6 slaves.^[2]

Free White Persons - Males - Under 10: 1

Free White Persons - Females - Under 10: 1

Free White Persons - Females - 45 and over : 1

In 1840, Milly Bruce was recorded in the U.S. Census in Hopkins County, Kentucky as head of a 9 person household including 8 slaves.^[3]

Her last Will and Testament was signed 9 August 1822 and proved April 1844 in Hopkins County, Kentucky.

Last Will and Testament

Last Will and Testament of Milly Bruce ^[4]

In the name of God amen I Milly Bruce of the county of Hopkins and state of Kentucky considering the uncertainty of this mortal life and being of sound and perfect mind and memory blessed be Almighty God for the same do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following that is to say:

First I give to my two sons, Dunning Bruce and Kader Bruce my Negro woman Chaney to be divided equally between them.

Secondly I give to my son Kader Bruce one Negro boy named William.

Thirdly I give to my granddaughter Patsey Bruce, daughter of Dunning Bruce, one Negro girl named Jenny.

Fourthly I give to my son Abner Bruce one Negro boy named Stephen.

Fifthly I give to my granddaughter, Sarah Harrel, one Negro girl named Zelpha, one feather bed, two smoothing irons, one young cow beast , one side saddle and one trunk, and all my spinning wheels.

Sixthly I give to my grandson, Abner Harrel, one cow beast, one horse, one tin trunk, two pewter plates, a basin and half a dozen of spoons.

Seventhly I give my granddaughter, Betsy Bruce, daughter of Kader Bruce, one feather bed and furniture.

Eightly I give to my daughter, Sally Dunning and her heirs five shillings.

Ninethly, I give to the heirs of my daughter Delilah Mash, Evalinah Mash, Ascina Mash, Jerry Mash and Thomas Mash five shillings to be equally divided between them.

The balance of my household furniture, kitchen and farming utensils I give to my son Kader Bruce.

The balance of my cattle and my stock of hogs after my just debts is paid is to be equally divided between Dunning Bruce, Kader Bruce and Abner Bruce, my sons. All of the property paid to the Legates immediately after my decease furthermore I make and appoint my two eldest sons Dunning Bruce and Kader Bruce executors of this my last will and testament.

In witness I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 9th day of August 1822. Milly Burce Her Mark X

Signed sealed published and declared by the above named, Milly Bruce, to be held last will and testament in the presence of us who have executed subscribed our names as executors in the presence of the testator. A. M. Heanry
John W. Wsher
Nancy H. Heanry
Sarah Bruce Her Mark X

Kentucky, Hopkins County SEAL April county court 1844, in court and proven to be the last will and testament of Milly Bruce deceased, whose name is thereto subscribed by the oaths of A. M. Hearny and Sarah Dillback formerly Sarah Bruce the subscribing witnesses thereto and as such last will and testament ordered to be recorded as written. Witnesses the same together with this certificate is recorded accordingly. Att. Sam Woodan Clk Hopkins County Court Hopkins County, Kentucky

Sources

1. ↑ "United States Census, 1810," FamilySearch database with images, Millea Bruce, Hertford, North Carolina, United States; citing p. 91, NARA microfilm publication M252, roll 40; FHL microfilm 337,913.M.
2. ↑ "United States Census, 1820," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XHLR-G9B : accessed 18 September 2019), Milly Bruce, Hopkins, Kentucky, United States; citing p. 234, NARA microfilm publication M33, roll 23; FHL microfilm 186,183.
3. ↑ "United States Census, 1840," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XHRK-TC9 : 26 September 2019), Milly Brouce, Hopkins, Kentucky, United States; citing p. 378, NARA microfilm publication M704, roll 114; FHL microfilm 7,827.
4. ↑ Milly Bruce, Last Will; Hopkins County, Kentucky Probate Records, Will Book 5, Pages 74-76.