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Born: Abt 1708 Surry Co VA Married: Sarah ? Bertie Co Died: Abt 1781 Bertie Co. NC Parents: William and Faith GRAYWill: March 1, 1779 will (see below) Also see: Petition of Richard, et al against his brother, William regarding the distribution of their father's estate according to this will.
1. WILLIAM 5
Born: Abt 1735 Bertie Co, NC Married: 1) Penelope Winborne Bertie Co 2)Martha "Patsy" Bryan Died: Abt 1806 Bertie Co. NC 2. RICHARD Born: Abt ?1737 Bertie/Northampton County Married: Averilla "Avey" Deloach ? 1764 Northampton Co NC Died: ? 1782 Wayne Co, NC 3. FAITH Born: Abt ? 1739 Bertie/Northampton County Married:1) John Bridgers ?1758 Northampton Co 2)Joseph Pender ?1764 Northampton Co Died: Abt ? 176? 4. PURITY Born: Abt ? 1740 Bertie/Northampton County Married: Abt ? 1766 William Deloach Northampton County Died: ? Logan Co, KY or Davidson Co, TN
Being the eldest son, William, would have inherited his father's estate. Although we haven't found this will, it is referred to by son Etheldred's sale of land, as you will see shortly. But first, 14 November 1738, William and his wife, Sarah, sold 278 acres (purchased in 1727 by his father for 11 pounds) to Robert Ruffin, (his brother) for 50 pounds; having as one of the deed witnesses, another brother, Nathaniel Ruffin. On the same date, William and Sarah, sold 320 acres to Etheldred Ruffin, (another brother)for 50 pounds again using Nathaniel as a witness.
William3, the father, had also purchased 300 acres (land patented by Robert Forster on 7 Dec 1725 ) from James Boon (who had bought it 7 Dec 1725, from Forster right after he had received the patent) This land transaction was not recorded until the land is sold to John Lawrence 25 Feb 1779....300 acres for 5,000 pounds.
We don't really know much about the family, but they probably lived on a plantation growing tobacco.
We really don't know very much about their mother, Sarah. Hopefully she was able to enjoy her namesake, and probably her first grandchild, Sarah. Actually each family names a daughter after her!
There is no mention of her in her husband's will though in March 1779. If our birthdate is correct, William lived to be 74 years of age...perhaps in poor health though as he bequeaths the bed "I lie on".
Will of WILLIAM RUFFIN Bertie County, North Carolina March 1, 1779
Know all men that I, William Ruffin of Northampton County , in the province of North Carolina being in health and of sound mind & memory do constitute and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following (Viz)
Item I give, device and bequeath unto my won, William Ruffin, my land and plantation I purchased of Thomas Miers with all the lands thereunto belonging all my stock of horses, cattle, hoggs and sheep all my household goods and kitchen furniture the bed & furniture where on I lie only excepted also a Negro woman named Moll and her three children now in his possession together with all my gold and silver money I have in hand or in possession to him, his heirs and assignees forever.
Item The Bed and furniture as excepted in the gift unto my said son, William, as above, I give and bequeath to my son Richard Ruffin.
Item I direct that my Executors hereafter named do make sale at their discretion of all the remaining part of my Negroes and the money arising therefrom together with what paper currency I have in possession are to be divided as followeth (Viz) one fourth part of said sum or dividend I lend unto my daughter FAITH PENDER during her natural life and her decease I give and bequeath the said one fourth part unto my said daughter's children to be equally divided amongst them and the remaining part thereof I give and bequeath unto my other three children namely, RICHARD RUFFIN, PURITY DELOACH, and WILLIAM RUFFIN to be equally divided amongst them but in case my said son, Richard Ruffin should dye without issue then there be an equal distribution of that part intended for him as above betweens my daughter, PURITY DeLOACH, my son, WILLIAM RUFFIN, and the children of my daughter, FAITH PENDER.
Lastly I constitute and appoint my son, WILLIAM RUFFIN and my friend, JOHN LAURENCE, my whole and sole executors of this my last will and Testament hereby revoking and making null and void all former wills and Testaments by me before made and this only to be my last will & Testament in witness whereof I have here unto set my hand and fixed my seal this first day of March one thousand seven hundred and seventy nine, signed sealed and published by the to be his last will & Testament in presence of Willis JOSEY, Moses Horne, Thomas Horne
BERTIE County, November Term of 1781
The last will & Testament of William Ruffin deceased was proved in open
court in due form of law by the oath of Willis Josey, and Thomas Horne, two of the subscribing witnesses and ordered to be recorded.
Stevens Gray, Clerk
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