Family:Charles King and Elizabeth Benton (1)

James definitely seems to be the oldest child, and Sally may be the youngest, but the exact order of the last three is not clear. Richard was left the homestead by his father's will, and this practice often indicates the youngest male (best chance of outliving his parents, and so always there to take care of them?), but this is not known for sure. The father's will gives the boys as James, Richard and George, and the accounting for his estate uses that same order. so that might be the right order. The mother's will is George, Sarah, James and Richard, so it doesn't seem to be in birth order. Given that the birth of George is aft. 1802 while Richard is bef. 1804, it is not inconceivable that they might be twins?

1. ↑ "Abstracts of Bertie Co. Marriage Bonds", in The North Carolina historical and genealogical register
   Vol. 2, No. 3, p. 370.

   [1796] King, Charles and Elizabeth Benton, July 16. Elisha Holder.
   [Note: Source:Bertie, North Carolina, United States. Marriages of Bertie County, North Carolina, 1762-1868 transcribes the bondsman's name as Elisha Holden.]