Person:John Morrow (13)

1815 will was signed in Rowan Co, NC and names oldest sons William and John (see below)

Daughter Rebecca Ann m. Charles Lovelace, ended up in Fannin Co, TX after a stay in Greene Co, IL.

DNA Findings

The DNA findings on this family have caused confusion. Initial results suggested we had a conflict between purported sons of William Morrow b. 1771 (this man's son), with conflicting data on which Morrow family the line related to. Further testing and research, however, is consistent with placement on Group 4.

Result One, Three, and Four: Three descendants of reputed grandson Joseph Samuel Morrow match each other closely at 37 markers, confirming a common descent. The results suggested a match to Group 2 in the DNA project. But the 4th participant upgraded to 67 markers, and all matches are BRAY - a family from Orange County, NC in the 18th-19th century. While originally non-conclusive, this latter finding strongly suggests Joseph, or another male-line ancestor, has a Bray ancestor and he is not a Morrow. In addition, Greene County deeds demonstrate that Joseph was not considered a blood child of William.

Result Two: A descendant of reputed grandson Jesse Morrow matches 34/37 with those in Crosswood Oaks Morrows, Group IV on this list of participants. This result translates to a 76% chance of a common ancestor within 12 generations. The closest match is with another Morrow family that also settled in Greene Co, IL. ( John Morrow (1798-<1860)). This result, along with the re-analysis undertaken following Result 4 above, returns us to the theory that John b. 1798--the only John Morrow leaving records in Greene County in the 1840s--was indeed the son of William appearing in family estate records in the 1840s.

Busted theories:

• One researcher notes “Originally it was believed that this John Morrow was the son of William Morrow and Jane Parks [of Orange County] - however, closer inspection of the actual loose will of William Morrow does not match the information known about this John Morrow.” Namely, that he was deceased when William wrote his will in 1807. However, this group is likely related to the Orange County group within a few generations.

• Ray lists this man as son of John Morrow and wife Jennette. John died in Mecklenburg Co, NC in early 1795. A descendant of this John matches Group VI, which matches neither result above.

More descendants are needed to clarify the DNA findings.

Will

Will of John Morrow of Rown County, NC Book G. Page 398

In the Name of God Amen; I JOHN MORROW of the County of Rowan in State of North Carolina Farmer.; Being very weak and indisposed In Body, Though of Sound Mind And Perfect Memory (Thanks be to god for this Blessing) And Calling to mind the mortality of my Body knowing that it is appointed Unto all Men Once to die have thought it Necessary and proper to make and Ordain this my last Will And Testament Which I do in Manner Following.

First And ?More All I Resign My Soul Unto God the creator and Great Benefactor of the same And My Body to the Earth Desiring to be buried In a Decent Christian like manner At the Discretion of my executors and as touching such worldly goods as I hath pleased the Lord to Bless Me with I will and bequeath unto my Beloved wife ELIZABETH MORROW the Possession and occupancy of the plantation where I now Reside During her Natural life, also two Beds And Furniture A Walnut Chest, A Desk, two cows, a calf, A Gray colt of two years old, four head of sheep, two head of hogs of the best of a ?? for killing. Also a sow and pigs such as she may chuse; All of which property she is to possess During her natural life. But not disposable of by her In any other way But for her support and Mainteanance. Also I will and Bequeath unto her All the Dresser(s) and Kitchen Furniture to be disposed of as she may think Proper; Likewise a Saddle and bridle, A Cotton wheel, A ?flax wheel and Bearl, A pair of cotton and a pair of wool cards. With as much cotton, wool or flax as may be necessary for one years consumption. Also as much corn, Flour, Sugar, And Coffee as may be thought for one years maintenance of and care of daughter NANCY MORROW.

Unto my two eldest sons WM. MORROW and JOHN MORROW I bequeath all my clothing to be Equally Distributed Betwixt them Unto my daughter MARGARET, wife of Hazel DICKEY I will All such property as she hath recieved of me as her part of my Estate, Unto my daughter JANE, wife of JAMES DAVIS, Senr. I will and bequeath such property as she hath recieved as her part, , Unto my son ALLEN MORROW I will such monies and property as he hath received Unto my son THOS. MORROW I bequeath one hundred acres of land Being Part of the tract of land I now reside on to be ?aid off from the River Extending Along Parallel with James Orton and William Butlers ??. Unto my son ARTHUR MORROW I will my Still and Vessels Also two sheep ewes. Unto my son JOSEPH MORROW I will and bequeath the residue of my land being by estimation two hundred and eighty acres; Also the wooden work? of A Waggon And the Iron for the same, Unto my Daughter, ELIZABETH, Wife of JAMES DAVIS, Junr., I will and Bequeath two cows, and calves, two pots, two head of sheep,. Furthermore with regard to my Daughter NANCY MORROW My Will and Intention is that she be taken care of and maintained on the premises with her mother And should she survive after her mother by my Son JOSEPH for which purpose the Residue of the Horses are to be and remain on the premises for the use of the same, Unto my Daughter REBECCAH MORROW I will and bequeath tow cows, calves, One Bed and Furniture, One Saddle and bridle, and two sheep.

This I make and constitute my last will and testament Hereby Diswilling and Revoking All former wills, Testaments or bequeaths made by me made or intended to be made Ordaining and Appointing my two sons ALLEN and ARTHUR MORROW Executors of the same. In witness whereof I hereunto set my signd/ seald the 14th day of September A.D. 1815.

Signed/Sealed/Witnessed in the Presence of John Morrow (signature, seal)

Samuel Little
Thomas Morrow