Source:Court of Pleas

The documents cover Estate of Joseph Abbott, Sr who died in 1817 per the documents. Joseph Abbott, Sr. was purchasing land in Stokes County by selling "swapping" two slaves, Rhoda (Roda)(a female with a young daughter and perhaps other children) and Isham (a young boy) both suppose to be "born Abbott". Joseph Abbott, Sr. is making the swap for money for the down-payment on the property. Joseph Abbott, Sr. died before the transaction could be completed and the estate documents the swap transaction and the estate. There are many depositions taken from many Priddy family members and states their relationship to George Priddy. There are neighbors, friends, and people who witnessed the transaction of the swap.

The estate is administered by George Priddy, father-in-law of Joseph Abbott. George Priddy's daughter, Elizabeth Priddy, dies just after Joseph Abbott, leaving "the younger children" orphans. In the estate, the childrens' names are not listed. The case is settled. Mention is made of who has the orphans and who does not.

In 1826, Benjamin Abbott, son and an orphaned child of Joseph Abbott, Sr., brings suit against his grandfather's estate, George Priddy, (administrator of Joseph Abbott, Sr, Benjamin's father, estate in 1817. Benjamin claims that the estate of Joseph Abbott, Sr was not distributed fairly to the heirs. Joining him, originally, in this claim are Joseph Abbott (Jr?), Ezekiel Shelton and his wife Nancy (probably Abbott, George Abbott and wife Jane or Lane, Davis Abbott and wife Elizabeth,"all of full age" and Elisha Abbott, Frances Abbott, George Abbott, Lavenia Abbott and Margaret Abbott who are represented by "their best friend" Regamia (not sure of spelling) Abbott. About the middle of the case the documents note that Benjamin and 2 others bring suit. It can be assumed that some of the children dropped out of the suit.

Both cases give a good insight to courts, living at this time. Copies of the documents are written very neatly in most cases but very small and are difficult to read even though copies are good. Some of the script is not as neatly written and adds more difficulty.

NOTE: Document is too long to reproduce (and too faded) in this forum. I would be happy to share what I have in the 116 pages.

adonna70@gmail.com