Variations have included Jarred, Jared, Garret and Jarrett
| Color Codes separate generations. Numbers show generations. | |
| First Generation 1 – BLACK – (Sons/daughters of Isaac) | Sixth Generation 6 – BROWN |
| Second Generation 2 – RED | Seventh Generation 7 – GREY |
| Third Generation 3 – GREEN | Eighth Generation 8 – PURPLE |
| Fourth Generation 4 – ORANGE | Ninth Generation 9 – Olive |
| Fifth Generation 5 – BLUE | Tenth Generation 10 – PINK |
Gerard Gregory 1 (?-ca December 1803) was probably the youngest son of Isaac and Alsey Gregory, though his birthdate is not known. Gerard was the Gregory with the most variable name. Variations have included: Jared, Garret, Jarrett and, finally, Gerard. The spelling “Gerard” was settled upon because it was the way his son, Gerard Jr., and succeeding generations spelled it.
Gerard appears in the 1790 census as Head of Household and over 16 years of age (there were three males under 16 and two females as well). The 1800 census lists Gerard and wife in the 26-45 year age group. There are four young males and two young females as well. Gerard’s wife, Freelove, was probably in her early 30’s because she is still listed in the 26-45 age group in 1810. (She appears to be living in the Benjamin Gregory household in this census.)
The earliest official record found regarding Gerard is a Stub Entry to an Indent (Book X, #2385) for £11.18.2½ for Revolutionary War Service in Brandon’s Regiment. The indent was dated 26 May 1786. If Gerard performed this service between 1781 and 1783, as did most of his brothers, he was probably born not much later than 1765.
His son, Benjamin J. Gregory, was born December 12 of 1786 (birthdate is from Benjamin’s tombstone).
Gerard was granted 276 acres of land by the State of South Carolina, 24 January 1787 (Warrant date). The land, located in Ninety-Six District, was situated on the south side of the Broad River on “branches of Gregory’s and Neal’s Creeks” and was bordered by John Gregory’s, Heneries (sic: Henry’s), Pinckney’s, Isaac Gregory’s and vacant land. This tract was surveyed 25 January 1787 and recorded 2 February 1787.
Isaac Gregory, father of Gerard, wrote his will 13 August 1796 and left the bulk of his estate to Gerard. The will was entered into Probate 3 April 1797, with Gerard and his brother, Isaac, as executors.
Gerard survived his father only five years. His will was written 7 July 1802 and recorded 2 January 1804. This indicated that he died in December 1803. His executors were brother, Isaac, and wife, Freelove. Children were mentioned but not named.
The 1810 census of Union County lists a Benjamin Gregory as Head of Household (p. 231) and in the 16-26 year age bracket. It appears that this is Benjamin J. Gregory, son of Gerard and Freelove Gregory. Benjamin married Elizabeth Crosby Jeter 11 June 1811 according to her tombstone.
This census (1810) lists: one male under 10; one male 10-16; two males 16-26; one female under 10; one female 26-45. It is postulated that the woman in the 26-45 age bracket is the widow, Freelove; Benjamin, her son, is the head of the household. Edward, Isaac and David adjoin Benjamin on the same page.
Freelove appears as Head of Household in 1820. There is another female over age 45 in the house and one male age 16-26.
It should be noted that, in 1820, Benjamin, Freelove, Isaac and Jarrett live side-by-side. David does not appear with them. He resided in Pendleton District at this time.
The last recorded transaction by Freelove is a Deed of Gift, transferring 28¼ acres to her son, Gerard Jr. The deed was executed 3 June 1828 and recorded on 22 February 1829 (Union County Deed Book T, p. 154). The witnesses were George P. Smith and Uriah Porter. The land was described as “lying near and on the east side of Brown’s Creek. ” This could have been a “death bed” gift because Freelove does not appear on the 1830 census.
The names of Gerard and Freelove’s children are not listed as a unit until 1831 when a deed, signed by the sons, records the transfer of land to the heirs of William Porter, Sr. The daughter listed in 1810 does not sign this deed. It is probably that the daughter of Freelove and Gerard was the wife of William Porter, Sr., and mother of the heirs listed in the deed.
The sons listed in the document were: David W. Gregory, Benjamin J. Gregory, Isaac Gregory, Jehu (or John) Gregory and Jarrett Gregory.
The deed (Book V, p. 153, Union County) is reproduced in full on Page 99. Note that B.J. Gregory signed for David W. and Gerard. The letter referenced within the signature was not available in Union County. Could this land sale be a final settlement of Freelove’s estate?
Will of Gerard Gregory
South Carolina
Union DistrictBy Benjamin Haile
In the name of God. Amen.
I, Gerard Gregory, of the State of South Carolina, Union District, farmer, being very weak in body but of perfect mind and memory, thanks be given unto God: Calling unto mind the mortality of my body, and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament; that is to say:
First of all, I give and recommend my soul into the hands of Almighty God that gave it, and my body I recommend to the earth to be buried in decent Christian burial at the discretion of my executors; nothing doubting but, at the general resurrection, I shall receive the same again, by the almighty power of God. And as touching such worldly estate wherewith it has pleased God to bless me in this life: I give, devise and dispose of the same in the following manner and form.
FIRST, I leave to Freelove, my dearly beloved wife, her living on the plantation during her widowhood and good conduct, all things to remain unaltered. And in case of her marrying or breaking good order, then the movable effects to be sold and she to have the part of that the law allows.
As touching my dear children: I leave the boys, at each one’s coming of age, to receive fifty dollars in property or money. The girls I leave, at each one’s marrying, to receive what Freelove and Isaac Gregory, whom I constitute, make and ordain my sole executors of this my last Will and Testament, may at their discretion see fit to give them. In the case of the death, marrying or bad conduct of my wife, then the estate, real and personal, to be sold on equal division of the personal part among the girls and boys, and the real estate to be equally divided among the boys only, the division not to be made until the youngest child comes of age.
And I do hereby utterly disallow, revoke and disannul all and every other former testaments, wills, legacies, bequests and executors by me in any wise before named, willed and bequeathed; ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my last Will and Testament.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal, this Seventh Jay of July in the year of our Lord, One thousand, eight hundred and three.
Gerard Gregory
South Carolina
Union DistrictBy Benjamin Haile,
Ordinary of Said DistrictPersonally appeared before me, John Van Lew, who being July sworn on the Holy Evangelicals of Almighty God, doth make oath and say that he saw Gerard Gregory sign, seal, publish, pronounce and declare the within writing to be and contain his last Will and Testament. That the said Gerard Gregory was then of sound and deposing mind, memory and understanding to the best of deponant’s beliefs, and that James Mathews and James McCord, together with the deponant, did sign their names thereto at the request of the testator and in his presence.
At the same time qualified Freelove Gregory and Isaac Gregory, Executrix and Executor.
Given now my hand the 2nd January 1804.
(signed) Benjamin Haile
The State of South Carolina
Union DistrictKnow all men by these presents that we, David W. Gregory, Benjamin J. Gregory, Isaac Gregory, Jehu Gregory and Jarrett Gregory, part of being of the District and State above mentioned and part of State of Georgia; in consideration of one hundred dollars to us in hand paid by William Porter, of the State and District above written, have granted, bargained, sold and released by these presents do grant, sell and release unto William Porter, Jr., Mathew Porter, Rhody Porter, (Williamson) Porter and William Edward Porter, Jr., all being the heirs of William Porter, Sr., all that tract or parcel of land containing one hundred acres, more or less, lying and being in the District above written on the waters of Little Brown’s Creek and bound as follows: Beginning at a pine on the South side of the creek, then to Landlott Cain’s and running rather a west course on land belonging to Obadiah Whitlock and lands belonging to John Gregory, Jr. till it intersects with land belonging to Sarah Savage, then along said land rather a southeast course till it intersects with Allen Gregory’s line, then along a (near) east course till it crosses the creek some distance and intersects with lands said to belong to George Harvey, thence along said line to the beginning. Together with all and singular the rights, members, hereditaments and appurtances to the same belonging or in any wise incident or appertaining, to have and to hold all and singular, the premises above mentioned unto the above named heirs of William Porter, Sr., their heirs and assigns forever; and we do hereby bind ourselves, and each of our heirs and administrators to warrant and forever defend all and singular the said premises unto the above named heirs of William Porter, their heirs and assigns, against ourselves, our heirs, and against every person whomsoever lawfully claiming or to claim, the same or any part thereof. In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and seals the day and year above written.
In the Presence Of:
Joseph Tate
John Davenport
Thos Coomer(B.J. Gregory by letter for) D.W. Gregory
B.J. Gregory
Isaac Gregory
Jehu Gregory
(B.J. Gregory for) Gerard GregoryThomas Coomer proved deed before Isaac Gregory
Recorded 2 September 1831
Deed Book V, Page 153
Note: These are sons of Gerard Gregory, son of Isaac, The Elder.
Benjamin J. Gregory 2 (12 December 1786-7 June 1853), son of Gerard and Freelove Gregory, married Elizabeth Crosby Jeter (2 January 1794-18 May 1851), daughter of James and Mary Crosby Jeter, on 11 June 1811. Both Elizabeth and Benjamin were lifelong residents of Union County.
It should be noted that Benjamin married well. Elizabeth’s father was a Revolutionary War hero and a prosperous Union County planter. Benjamin gained much in land and personal estate upon his marriage. Of course, the property became Benjamin’s in right of his wife. There were few laws to protect the rights of women at that time.
Benjamin was a prosperous planter and real estate trader in his own right. He also served as Magistrate and Justice of the Peace in Union County at various times. He was in the money lending business in his younger years.
The first documents of record on Benjamin in Union County were for four chattel mortgages held by him. The first for $25, executed 17 March 1810 and recorded 18 May of that year (Deed Book K, p. 138).
The second (Deed Book K, pp. 301-2) was for $44.92. The mortgagee, Thomas Bell, promised to pay by 25 December 1810. The collateral on this loan was Bell’s corn and cotton crop, two beds, a mare and services. Benjamin apparently did not believe in taking chances! The third mortgage (Deed Book K, pp. 300-1) was more explicit in regard to services: Thomas Sandage agreed to indent himself to Benjamin for two years, along with the mortgage of his cows, horses, etc. -all this for a loan of $60. The fourth chattel mortage, for $62, was pretty much the same. Benjamin must have been very shrewd indeed to take advantage of these opportunities!
He bought, traded and sold several thousand acres of land during his lifetime. He reported ownership of 1160 acres in the 1850 Census of Agriculture. He valued his “farm” at $11,600. He also reported ownership of 8 horses, 4 asses/mules, 12 milch cows, 2 bulls, 4 working oxen, 6 sheep and 63 pigs. He valued his livestock at $1,461.
Little is known of his and Elizabeth’s early religious life, but records of Cane Creek Baptist Church (now known as Salem) indicate that Benjamin, Elizabeth, William Harrison, Aswin Starks, James Thompson and Benjamin Franklin joined that congregation in 1835.
Transcripts of their tombstone inscriptions are recorded on the following pages because they poetically express the love of their family for them. Note that Benjamin’s tombstone records nine living children. He and Elizabeth were the parents of ten known children. A son, Argulass, preceded them in death.
Beniamin’s will (which is presented in full on the pages following) is an interesting document in many ways. He willed 1547 acres of land specifically and made reference to other acreage. There is evidence of his having bought 1262 acres during his life and having sold 808.5 acres, plus his share of the 100 acres of his parent’s estate.
The explanation for this is fairly simple. Very often, in the early years of our country, deeds were not even recorded until the buyer was ready to dispose of the land. Inherited land was quite often not recorded.
David Sims Jeter, Elizabeth’s unmarried brother, remembered his Gregory nephews in his will and also set aside land for the Jeter Family Cemetery. He went a step farther and provided funds for tombstones for his family members. It is ironic that his is one of the smaller stones in the cemetery.
Benjamin and Elizabeth were the parents of ten known children – nine sons and one daughter. They were: William Harrison; Aswin Starks; James Thompson; Benjamin Franklin; John J.E.; Andrew Jackson; Argulass; Sarah Elvira; Berry J. Adolphus; and Pickens Butler.
Each of these children and their descendants will be discussed in more detail and in order of birth on succeeding pages.
Tombstone of Benjamin J. Gregory
In Memory
Of
B.J. Gregory, Esq.
December 12th, 1786
June 7, 1853Leaving eight sons and one daughter
To mourn their irreparable lossHe was a respectable citizen
kind to the old and
afflicted. A good father
and loving husband.For many years prior to his death
A worthy and exemplary member
of the Baptist Church.Note: A four line verse is completely illegible because the stone is broken.
Tombstone of Elizabeth C. Jeter
In Memory
Of
Elizabeth C. Jeter
Eldest daughter of
Mary and James Jeter, Sr.
Born Jany 2nd, 1790
Married B.J. Gregory
of Union District
June 11, 1811
And departed this life
May 18th, 1851
Aged 61 years, 4 months, 16 daysShe was a member of the Baptist
Church for many years and
died in hope of Eternal Glory,
leaving a husband, eight sons –
one daughter and many relations
and friends to mourn her loss.Well we know thy living faith
Had the power to conquer death
As a living rose may bloom
By the border of the tomb.
The State of South Carolina
I, Benjamin J. Gregory of Union District in the State aforesaid, being of sound and disposing mind, memory and understanding, and taking into consideration the uncertainty of human life, do constitute and ordain this my last Will and Testament.
It is my will and desire that all of my just debts should be paid and for this purpose I authorize my executors, hereinafter named, to make sale of such cotton or other produce as may be on hand at the time of my death, the proceeds o which, together with my cash on hand, I set apart for the payment of my debts and funeral expenses.
To William Harrison Gregory, my eldest son, I will and bequeath all that tract of land whereon he now lives containing two hundred and sixty-one acres more or less, being one-half of the DeGraffenreidt tract bounded by A.S. Gregory, James Jeter and others; valued to him at Seven dollars ($7.00) per acre, together with all and singular: the rights, hereditaments thereto belonging or in any use incident or appertaining, in fee simple. I also will and bequeath to the said William Harrison Gregory, one Negro man slave named Buck and one Negro woman slave named Hariet, together with the issue and increase of the said slave Hariet; which said slaves I have valued to him at the sum of thirteen hundred dollars ($1300). I also will and bequeath to the said William Harrison Gregory, one horse, saddle and bridle with various articles of household furniture and other things which are named and valued in my Book of Accounts against my children.
To my second son, A. Starks Gregory, I will and bequeath all that piece, parcel and tract of land containing two hundred and sixty-one acres, being the remaining half of the DeGraffenreidt tract above referred to; valued to him at seven dollars ($7.00) per acre, together with all and singular: rights, members, hereditaments and appurtenances thereto belonging or in any use incident to appertaining, in fee simple. I also will and bequeath to the said A. Starks Gregory, two Negro men slaves named Harper and Gaines; which said slaves I have valued to him at the sum of one thousand, three hundred dollars ($1300). I also will and bequeath to the said A. Starks Gregory, one horse, saddle and bridle, together with various other things which are charged in my Book of Accounts against my children.
To my third son, J. Thompson Gregory, I will and bequeath one tract or parcel of land lying, being and situated in – County in the State Of Arkansas, containing one hundred and sixty acres, purchased from Samuel Pearson; valued to him at seven hundred, sixty-eight dollars ($768), together with all and singular: the rights, members and hereditaments, and appurtenances thereto belonging or in any wise incident or appertaining, in fee simple. I also will and bequeath to the said J. Thompson Gregory, the four following named Negro slaves, to wit: Charles, a Negro man valued at seven hundred dollars ($700); one Negro woman, Lucy, valued at six hundred, nine dollars ($609); one Negro woman, Hannah, valued at six hundred, fifty dollars ($650); and one Negro girl child valued at three hundred dollars ($300); together with the issue and increase of the aforesaid female slaves. I also will and bequeath to the said J. Thompson Gregory, one horse, saddle and bridle with other articles named and charged in my Book of Accounts against my children.
To my fourth son, B. Franklin Gregory, I will and bequeath one tract of land containing one hundred, nineteen (119) acres bounded by Harper Farr, Widow Paulk and myself, valued at seven hundred dollars ($700); also, one other tract of land containing one hundred, twenty-three (123) acres, bought of Rochester, adjoining the first named tract, valued at six hundred, fifteen dollars ($615); together with all and singular: the rights, members, hereditaments and appurtenances thereto belonging or in any wise incident or appertaining to the said B. Franklin Gregory, his heirs and assigns, in fee simple. I also will and bequeath to the said B. Franklin Gregory, the two following named Negro slaves, to wit: Phil, a man, and Violet, a woman, together with the issue and increase of the said Negro woman, Violet; which said slaves I have valued at the sum of thirteen hundred dollars ($1300).
To my fifth son, John J.E. Gregory, I will and bequeath one tract or parcel of land containing three hundred, ninety-four (394) acres, known as the Ashby Land, valued at __ dollars; together with all and singular: the rights, members, hereditaments and appurtenances to the same belonging or in any wise incident or appertaining to the said John J.E. Gregory, his heirs and assigns, in fee simple. I also will and bequeath to the said John J.E. Gregory, the three following named slaves, to wit: Cato, a Negro man slave, valued at seven hundred dollars ($700); and one Negro woman slave, called Farr, and child, valued at seven hundred dollars ($700); together with the issue and increase of said slaves. I also will and bequeath to the said John J.E. Gregory, one horse, saddle and bridle with other things charged on my Book of Accounts against my children.
To my sixth son, Andrew J. Gregory, I will and bequeath all that parcel or tract of land whereon he now lives which has been already conveyed to him by John Mann, I having paid the money therefor, containing two hundred, thirty-one and a half (2311/2) acres more or less, known as the “John Mann Place,” valued at the sum of fourteen hundred, twenty-eight dollars ($1428); together with all and singular: the rights, members and hereditaments and appurtenances to the said premises belonging or in any wise incident or appertaining. I also will and bequeath to the said Andrew J. Gregory, two Negro slaves: one named Isaac, a man, valued at seven hundred dollars ($700); one woman slave, named Dicey, valued at six hundred dollars ($600); one horse, saddle and bridle with various other articles charged on my Book of Accounts against my children.
To my seventh son, B.J. Adolphus Gregory, I will and bequeath the following named Negro slaves, six in number: George, a male, valued at seven hundred dollars ($700); Horace, a male, valued at three hundred dollars ($300); Henry, a male, valued at four hundred dollars ($400); Catherine, a female, valued at six hundred dollars ($600); Juliana, a female, valued at five hundred dollars ($500); and Josephine, a female, valued at two hundred, fifty dollars ($250); together with the future issue and increase of the said female slaves to B.J. Adolphus Gregory and his lawful heirs. The above named slaves are not to be liable for the debts or subject to the contracts of the said B.J. Adolphus Gregory, he is merely to have the use of them during his natural life; and, at his death, the said slaves, together with their issue and increase, are to go into possession of the legal heirs of him the said B.J. Adolphus; and, in case the said B.J. Adolphus should die without lawful heirs, then the said Negroes, together with their issue and increase, are to revert to my estate and be disposed of in the same manner as the residue of my property not herein specially devised. In case any of the above named Negroes should die before I put them in possession of the said B.J. Adolphus Gregory, it is not to be his loss, but such loss shall fall upon my estate. I also will and bequeath to my said son, B.J. Adolphus Gregory, one horse, saddle and bridle valued at one hundred dollars ($100) which I have delivered to him.
To my eighth son, Pickens Butler Gregory, I will and bequeath the six following named slaves, to wit: Gilbert, valued at seven hundred dollars ($700); Prince, valued at five hundred dollars ($500); Jo, valued at four hundred dollars ($400); Manerva, valued at six hundred dollars ($600); Mariah, valued at three hundred dollars ($300); and Charlotte valued at four hundred dollars ($400); together with the future issue and increase of the said female slaves. The said last named slaves, together with their issue and increase, are to be subject to precisely the same conditions and restriction as those slaves herein before bequeathed to B.J. Adolphus Gregory.
To my daughter, Sarah Elvira Gregory, I will and bequeath one bed and furniture, one gold watch, one bureau (marble top), and one hundred dollars ($100) in cash to be paid to her as soon as practicable after my death. My said daughter has already received about four hundred dollars more than any other of my children by way of tuition and she has married contrary to my will. I desire that she shall be excluded from any portion of my estate except such articles as are devised to her.
To my son, B. Franklin Gregory, I also will and bequeath one horse, saddle and bridle with various other articles charged to my Book of Accounts against my children.
The residue of my estate, both real and personal, I wish valued by three disinterested persons, to be chosen by my executors, and to be divided into lots and apportioned amongst my eight sons herein before named. If, however, my said executors should think it best for the interest to be sold, they may, after giving the usual notice, put it up at auction and sell it to the highest bidder, dividing the proceeds as herein directed; and I hereby authorize and empower my said executors to make, execute and deliver titles to my said lands, the whole or any portion thereof, to such person or persons as may comply with the terms of the sale.
The property herein before devised to my six first named sons has been put into their possession by me and, in the settlement of my estate, is to be received by them at the prices charged in this, my last Will and Testament, in my Book of Accounts against them without interest.
I will and desire that my eight sons above named receive an equal share of my whole estate and, to this end, I direct that the residue of my estate be divided in such a way as to accomplish this object.
I further will and desire that the residue of my Negro property and other personal property not herein specially disposed should be held by my said sons for their use and benefit during their lives. It is not to be subject to their debts or contracts, but is to descend to their lawful heirs in the manner as is prescribed for the Negroes of B.J. Adolphus, and Pickens Butler Gregory herein specially devised.
I will and desire that my sons Wm. Harrison Gregory and J. Thompson Gregory act as my executors to this, my last Will and Testament.
In witness whereof I have hereinto subscribed my name and affixed my seal, this Fifth day of December in the Year of our Lord, One thousand, eight hundred and fifty-one; and in the Seventy-fifth Year of the Sovereignty and Independence of the United States of America.
B.J. Gregory
Signed and Sealed, Published and Declared by the said Benjamin J. Gregory as his last Will and Testament in the presence of each other and in the presence of the said B.J. Gregory have hereinto subscribed our names as witnesses.
W.J. Kennan
J.T.E. Brandon
J.W. McLureThe State of South Carolina
Union DistrictI, Benjamin J. Gregory, of the District and State aforesaid, do hereby make this the following codicil to my last Will and Testament which is to be taken for a part and parcel of the same, to wit:
To my daughter, Sarah Elvira Gregory, I will and bequeath the six slaves more particularly described in a Deed of Gift made by me to the said Sarah Elvira, subject to the conditions and reversions mentioned in said deed.
I will and bequeath to the said Sarah Elvira Gregory, an equal proportion of my whole estate, both real and personal, which is to be distributed after my death as is herein before prescribed. She is to be charged in the said distribution to the six slaves named in the said Deed of Gift at the prices named in my Book of Accounts against my children. It is my desire that the said Sarah Elvira shall not be charged with any advancements whatever that have been heretofore made with the exception of the six slaves aforesaid.
It is further my will and desire that such property, either real or personal, as my said daughter may be entitled to receive by virtue of this codicil may be delivered by my executors to my sons, J. Thompson Gregory and William Harrison Gregory, who are hereby requested to receive the same on the same condition and trusts as is named in the Deeds of Gift herein before referred to, and to form a portion of the trust estate confided to them. I hereby revoke so much of my last Well and Testament as makes a special bequest of one hundred dollars in cash to my said daughter, Sarah Elvira Gregory.
In witness whereof I have herewith subscribed my name and affixed my seal, this Thirty-first day of January, Anno Domini One thousand, eight hundred, fifty-two, and in the Seventy-sixth Year of the Sovereignty and Independence of the United States of America.
B.J. Gregory
Signed, sealed and delivered by the said B.J. Gregory in the presence of us who have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses at the request of the testator, and in his presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names the day and year aforesaid. “To receive” interlined before signed.
J.K. Brandon
W.M. Kennan
J.W. McLure
South Carolina
Union Districtby B. Johnson, Esquire
Ordinary of said DistrictPersonally appeared William J. Kennan who, being sworn on the Holy Evangelist of Almighty God, doth make oath and say that he saw Benjamin J. Gregory sign, seal and publish, pronounce and declare this same to be his last Will and Testament; and that he, the said Benjamin J. Gregory, was then of sound and disposing mind, memory and understanding to the best of this deponant’s
B. Johnson
Wm Kennan
The State of South Carolina
Warrant of Appraisement – Sentinel print, Newberry, S.C.
Union DISTRICTBY B. Johnson Ordinary of Union District
These are to authorize and empower you, or any three or four of you, whose names are hereunder written, to repair to all such parts and places within this State as you shall be directed unto by W.H. Gregory & J. Thompson Gregory, Executors of the goods and chattels, rights and credits of Benjamin J. Gregory, deceased, wheresoever any of the said goods and chattels are, or do remain within the said parts and places, and which shall be shown unto you by the said W.H. Gregory & J. Thompson Gregory, Executors and there view and appraise all and every the said goods and chattels, being first duly sworn on the Holy Evangelist of Almighty God, to make a true and perfect inventory and appraisement thereof, and cause the same to be returned under your hands, or any three or four of you, unto the said W.H. Gregory & J. Thompson Gregory, Executors on or before the 1st day of January next.
WITNESS, B. Johnson Esquire, Ordinary of the said District, the 17th day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty three and in the 78th year Of American Independence.
To Mssrs. Col. Gidean Steen, Col. H. Scaife, J.L.L. Hill, Capt. W. Humphries, James Cunningham
MEMORANDUM – That on the 20th day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty three personally appeared before me G. Steen one of the Magistrates for said District, Col. H. Scaife, James L. Hill, & Col. G. Steen being three of the appraisers appointed to appraise the goods and chattels of B. J. Gregory late of Union District deceased, who being duly sworn, made oath that would make a just and true appraisement of all and singular the goods and chattels of the said B.J. Gregory deceased, and that we would return the same, certified under our hands, unto the said W. H. Gregory & J. T. Gregory on or before the 1st day of January next.
SWORN, the day and year above written, before me,
J. L. S. Hill
F. Scaife
G. Steen
G. SteenAppraise Bill of the Property of B.J. Gregory, deceased, October 20th, 1853.
57 Hogs (various size)………………………….$90.00
1 Cow and Yearling………………………………10.00
1 Cow and Yearling………………………………10.00
Bell Cow………………………………………..5.00
1 Cow and Yearling………………………………10.00
2 Yearlings……………………………………..9.00
1 Brown Horse…………………………………..20.00
Black Mare and Colt……………………………..50.00
Sechel Horse (Stud)……………………………..50.00
Sorrel Horse……………………………………50.00
1 Bay Mare……………………………………..60.00
1 Roan Horse……………………………………15.00
1 Cream Horse………………………………….100.00
1 Bay Colt……………………………………..35.00
4 pens of shucks ($5/pen)………………………..20.00
1 lot of corn (62½¢q/bushel)……………………..
1 lot of fodder ($1/100 bundles)………………….
1 Buggy and Harness…………………………….100.00
7 pair of gears………………………………….5.25
10 plough stocks…………………………………4.00
1 Four Horse Wagon………………………………60.00
1 grindstone…………………………………….1.50
1 lot of ploughs (38)……………………………15.20
1 lot of shares………………………………….2.00
1 lot of chairs………………………………….2.00
2 mattocks………………………………………2.50
1 lot of tools…………………………………..3.50
1 lot of hoes……………………………………2.25
1 lot of axes (10)……………………………….5.00
1 lot of sundries………………………………..2.50
1 lot of hut screws………………………………3.00
1 lot of clevises………………………………..2.00
1 lot of hames and singletrees…………………….2.75
1 pair of stretchers……………………………..1.25
1 lot of old irons……………………………….0.50
3 pair of stittiards……………………………..3.00
1 lot of peas, old (50¢/bushel)……………………1.50
4 barrels and 1 box ……………………………..
1 half bushel and lot of boxes…………………….2.00
126 bushels of wheat ($1/bushel)…………………126.00
1 pair bedsteads…………………………………0.75
1 loom………………………………………….2.00
1 lot of scythes and cradles………………………8.00
1 side saddle……………………………………3.50
1 chest and box………………………………….0.50
1 lot of pot ware……………………………….15.00
1 wash tub………………………………………0.50
3 pails and 1 churn………………………………1.50
1 spinning wheel and reel…………………………1.00
I lot of stoneware……………………………….1.20
1 hogshead………………………………………0.25
5 head of sheep………………………………….5.00
2 pens of straw………………………………….2.00
1 bureau and cover………………………………12.00
1 work table…………………………………….3.00
1 sideboard…………………………………….15.00
1 candle stand…………………………………..1.50
1 looking glass………………………………….1.25
1 bedstead, bed and furniture…………………….25.00
1 trundle bedstead, bed and perchiton………………2.00
1 lot of common chairs……………………………5.50
I lot of Windsor chairs………………………….12.00
1 folding table…………………………………10.00
1 sideboard…………………………………….20.00
2 waiters and glass………………………………3.50
1 clock………………………………………..10.00
firedogs, fenders, shovel and tongs……………….25.00
bookcase and bureau……………………………..15.00
1 lot of tablecloths…………………………….10.00
1 set of silver tablespoons………………………18.00
1 folding table………………………………….5.00
1 table and water stand…………………………..1.00
1 water bucket…………………………………..0.25
1 bed and bedstead………………………………25.00
1 trunk…………………………………………1.00
1 walnut chest…………………………………..2.00
2 beds and bedsteads…………………………….50.00
3 fire shovels and 2 pair tongs……………………2.00
1 pair dog irons…………………………………1.00
1 lot of bed clothing……………………………14.00
1 pair of firedogs……………………………….0.75
1 pair of firedogs……………………………….1.00
1 lot of books…………………………………..8.00
1 ox cart and yoke………………………………10.00
1 cotton gin……………………………………50.00
thrasher and fan………………………………..20.00
1 crosscut saw…………………………………..2.00
1 Negro man, Balcom…………………………….866.66
1 Negro man, Stephen……………………………933.33
1 Negro man, Pomp………………………………933.33
1 Negro man, Amos………………………………966.00
1 Negro man, Bartee…………………………….966.00
Big Jim……………………………………….150.00
Cillar and child……………………………….750.00
Eliza and child………………………………..616.00
Harriett………………………………………300.00
Dinah…………………………………………533.00
Lucy and 3 children…………………………..1,466.00
Little Jim…………………………………….350.00
4 work steers…………………………………..70.00
1 ox cart………………………………………15.00
I tract of land ($5/acre) ……………………….We, the undersigned, having this day met to appraise the goods and chattels of the Estate of Benj. Gregory, deceased, have appraised the foregoing property as the amounts stated approximate the name of property.
October 20th, 1853, given under our hands
H. Scaife
J.L.S. Hill
G. SteenBlack Cow and Yearling…………………………..10.00
1 lot cotton seed (10¢/bu.) …………………
1 doz. knives and forks…………………………..3.00
1 lot crockery…………………………………..5.00
1 tin trunk……………………………………..0.37½The State of South Carolina
Order for sale-M. MORRIS, print
Union DISTRICTBY B. Johnson Ordinary of Union District
WHEREAS W.H. Gregory & J.T. Gregory, Executors of the Goods and Chattels of Benjamin J. Gregory late of Union District deceased has petitioned the court for liberty to sell the personal property of said estate; and it appearing proper, upon due investigation, to grant the prayer of the said petition:
THESE are therefore to permit and empower the said W.H. Gregory & J.T. Gregory, Executors to expose to sale at public out-cry, the property of said estate, which may have come into their hands, to the highest bidder, on a credit of twelve months for all sums above five dollars, taking bond with sufficient security; for five dollars, and all sums under, cash on delivery, fifteen days previous notice to be given by public advertisement, and a return of the proceedings of said sale, to be by them made to the Ordinary’s Office aforesaid, within the time prescribed by law.
GIVEN under my band and seal this 25th day of November Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and fifty three and of American Independence the 78th.
B. Johnson Ord.
16 December 1853
The following is a sales bill: The articles, prices and names prefixed.Andrew Gregory ……..5 hogs (lst choice)………$10.00
Andrew Gregory ……..5 hogs (2nd choice)………..9.00
Philip Dunn ………..5 hogs (3rd choice)………..5.00
Harrison Gregory ……5 hogs (4th choice)………..3.00
Adolphus Gregory ……5 hogs (5th choice)………..3.75
Adolphus Gregory ……5 hogs (6th choice)………..2.75
Adolphus Gregory ……5 hogs (7th choice)………..2.00
Philip Dunn ………..5 hogs (8th choice)………..1.25
Philip Dunn ………..5 hogs (9th choice)………..1.25
Adolphus Gregory ……sow with two pigs………….2.00
B.F. McGraw ………..5 pigs……………………1.25
Pickens Gregory …….2 young white steers………43.00
Ephraigm Murphy …….2 old oxen……………….36.00
Andrew Gregory ……..Black horned cow & calf……11.00
Pickens Gregory …….young cow, no calf…………6.00
B.F. Gregory ……….Bell cow & calf……………4.00
Thomas Gregory ……..White cow & calf…………..8.00
Andrew Gregory ……..Cow, star in the face………7.00
Andrew Gregory ……..White yearling…………….3.00
Adolphus Gregory ……2 yearlings……………….3.25
B.F. Gregory ……….Black mare & colt…………49.50
Adolphus Gregory ……1 bay mare……………….70.00
John Gregory ……….1 bay mare……………….87.00
Jesse L. Jeter ……..1 roan horse……………..14.25
Harrison Gregory…….cream horse……………..100.00
B.F. Gregory ……….1 bay colt……………….32.00
John Otate …………1 bay horse………………18.15
Jesse L. Jeter ……..1 bay horse………………10.25
Pickens Gregory …….1 pen of shucks……………5.00
Harrison Gregory ……1 pen of shucks……………5.00
Philip Dunn ………..1 pen of shucks……………5.00
James Gregory ………1 pen of shucks……………5.00
John Gregory ……….buggy & harness………….100.00
Ephraigm Murphy …….ox cart…………………..7.00
Pickens Gregory …….ox cart & body……………10.00
Pickens Gregory …….5 plow stocks……………..1.00
Jesse L. Jeter ……..5 plow stocks……………..1.00
Adolphus Gregory ……1 fine wagon……………..90.00
Pickens Gregory …….1 grindstone………………2.55
Pickens Gregory …….1 lot of gearing…………..1.30
Messer Fuller ………1 lot of plow gearing………2.06¼
Pickens Gregory …….1 lot of plows…………….0.75
Starks Gregory ……..1 lot of plows…………….0.75
Andrew Gregory ……..1 lot of plows…………….1.30
Andrew Gregory ……..1 lot of plows…………….1.10
Adolphus Gregory ……1 lot of tools…………….1.40
Starks Gregory ……..hand saw & drawing knife……2.25
Adolphus Gregory ……thras. & pitchfork…………0.55
Pickens Gregory …….1 lot of hoes……………..0.25
Pickens Gregory …….1 lot of hoes……………..0.10
Pickens Gregory …….1 lot of singletrees……….1.05
Adolphus Gregory ……1 log chain……………….1.75
Pickens Gregory …….1 mattock…………………1.40
Adolphus Gregory ……1 mattock…………………1.70
James Gregory ………1 crosscut saw…………….3.00
Pickens Gregory …….1 pr. steelgards…………..2.00
Harrison Gregory ……1 pr. steelgards & shears…..0.10
Pickens Gregory …….1 pr. steelgards…………..0.40
Harrison Gregory ……3 axes……………………1.00
James Gregory ………3 axes……………………1.00
James Gregory ………2 iron wedges……………..1.05
Adolphus Gregory ……2 iron wedges……………..0.90
James Gregory ………heel screws & clevises……..0.50
Pickens Gregory……..ditto…………………….1.00
Andrew Gregory ……..box of sundries……………0.25
Pickens Gregory …….2 barrels…………………0.05
James Gregory ………peas, by the bushel………..0.65
Harrison Gregory ……1 scythe & cradle………….1.00
Pickens Gregory …….ditto…………………….1.05
Harrison Gregory ……ditto…………………….1.50
Robert Farr ………..2 boxes & barrel…………..0.25
Gerard Gregory ……..2 barrels, chest &
…………………..half bushel……………….0.50
Robert Farr ………..1 bedstead………………..0.30
Pickens Gregory …….wash tub, etc……………..0.40
Thomas Gregory ……..reel & wheel………………1.00
Pickens Gregory …….bureau & cover…………….7.25
James Gregory ………1 table…………………..1.25
Pickens Gregory …….looking glass……………..1.15
James Gregory ………sideboard & cover…………10.00
James Gregory ………bedstead, furniture, etc…..20.00
James Gregory ………bedstead, etc……………..2.00
Harrison Gregory ……candle stand & cover……….1.25
Adolphus Gregory ……folding table…………….11.50
James Gregory ………sideboard………………..20.00
Pickens Gregory …….water, glassware…………..3.25
Andrew Gregory ……..decanter………………….1.25
James Gregory ………water, etc………………..0.25
James Gregory ………clock…………………….9.00
Harrison Gregory ……dog irons, shovel, etc…….28.00
Gideon Steen ……….bureau & secretary………..19.50
Adolphus Gregory ……tablespoons………………13.50
Adolphus Gregory ……tablecloth………………..0.50
John Gregory ……….ditto…………………….0.50
Andrew Gregory ……..ditto…………………….1.00
Pickens Gregory …….2 tablecloths……………..0.60
James Gregory ………folding table……………..2.50
Pickens Gregory …….table, water stand, bowl……1.05
B.F. Gregory ……….bedstead, etc…………….23.00
Harrison Gregory ……trunk…………………….7.00
Solomon Gregory …….1 loom……………………0.80
Jesse L. Jeter ……..pr. stretchers & …………………..2 singletrees……………..1.00
Messer Fuller ………shovels & spades…………..1.20
James Gregory ………sheep, per head……………0.75
Pickens Gregory …….1 pen of straw…………….0.30
Pickens Gregory …….ditto…………………….0.30
Andrew Gregory ……..2 jars……………………2.00
John Gregory ……….ditto…………………….2.00
James Gregory ………ditto…………………….3.15
James Gregory ………large barrel & beer stand…..0.25
James Gregory ………wash pot………………….4.10
Solomon Gregory …….dinner pot………………..0.60
Adolphus Gregory ……wash pot………………….1.06¼
Harrison Gregory ……oven and lead……………..1.00
John Gregory ……….2 bakers………………….0.65
James Gregory ………skillet…………………..0.55
Pickens Gregory …….pot & lid…………………1.15
Pickens Gregory …….oven & lid………………..1.15
Adolphus Gregory ……flat skillet………………1.10
Solomon Gregory …….pot, lid & hooks…………..0.75
Big Isaac Gregory …..large pot…………………1.25
Adolphus Gregory ……kettle……………………0.12½
Frank McDuffie ……..oven……………………..0.12½
Adolphus Gregory ……oven & lid………………..0.50
John Gregory ……….2 pails, churn…………….1.60
Pickens Gregory …….coffee pot, etc……………0.60
Starks Gregory ……..chest…………………….2.00
Pickens Gregory …….bedstead, etc…………….31.50
B.F. Gregory ……….bedstead, etc…………….50.00
Pickens Gregory …….firedogs………………….1.60
James Gregory ………shovel, tongs, dog irons……2.00
John Gregory ……….1 sheet…………………..5.00
John Gregory ……….1 sheet…………………..5.00
John Gregory ……….2 sheets………………….0.60
James Gregory ………3 sheets………………….1.00
Adolphus Gregory ……dogirons………………….1.30
Andrew Gregory ……..3 volumes, Bunion………….0.70
Starks Gregory ……..Bible, dic., testament……..0.70
Andrew Gregory ……..lot books…………………0.50
John Gregory ……….tea pot…………………..1.05
Harrison Gregory ……dish, etc…………………1.30
Harrison Gregory ……safe & 2 plates……………1.50
John Gregory ……….lot glassware……………..1.00
John Gregory ……….knives & forks…………….1.90
John Gregory ……….cups, dishes, etc………….0.50
Harrison Gregory ……gold watch……………….33.00
B.F. Gregory ……….cotton gin……………….20.00
Pickens Gregory …….thrasher & fan…………….1.00
Pickens Gregory …….cotton seed, by the bushel… 0.11½
John Savage ………..ditto…………………….0.11
James Gregory ………ditto…………………….0.11
James Gregory ………ditto…………………….0.11
James Gregory ………ditto…………………….0.10
James Gregory ………ditto…………………….0.11
Starks Gregory ……..ditto…………………….0.11
Pickens Gregory …….10 chairs…………………3.20
James Gregory ………Windsor chairs…………….8.00
James Gregory ………2 candle sticks……………0.50
Pickens Gregory …….7 plates………………….0.60
James Gregory ………3 jugs……………………0.37½
Adolphus Gregory ……2 decanters……………….0.55Whole amount: Sale Bill…………………….$1,195.01½
I certify the within to be and contain a true statement of the sale bill of the estate of B.J. Gregory, deceased, as was made by me as one of the executors of the said estate as was made on this 16th December 1853; sold on a credit of twelve months for all sums above five dollars; and for sums of five dollars and under, cash on the delivery of property and to return the same agreeable law.
17 January 1855
William H. Gregory
W.H. Gregory, Executor of the Estate of B.J. Gregory, deceased, in act with the said Estate:
To Cash on Hand at Testator’s death ……….. $1,809.10
To Cash Received for the net proceeds
of 71 bales, cotton in Columbia …………… 2,666.591853
July 28 By Amt Paid R. O’Neal, Col $ 782.24
Sept 16 By Amt Paid McLure & Wilson Act 364.05
By Amt Paid McLure & Wilson Note 579.72
July 4 By Amt Paid B. Johnson, Ordinary
on bond in office 212.76
Sept 13 By Boating 71 Bales Cotton, D.J. Jitans 71.00
By Expenses Col. to sell cotton 8.50
By Amt Paid C. Easter, crying sale 3.50
By Amt Paid freight on baging 3.71
By Amt Paid N.I. Cook (overseer) 158.26
By Amt Paid T. B. Gregory 2.001854
By Cash Paid whisk (corn shuck) .50
May 31 By Amt Paid Ming & Fiak 31.25
$2,320.69Court of the Ordinary, 31 January 1854
Personally appeared W.H. Gregory, Executor of the Estate of B.J. Gregory, deceased, who proved this return by his sworn oath and produced the vouchers.
B. Johnson Ordinary
W.H. Gregory, Executor of the Estate of B.J. Gregory, deceased, in account with said Estate:
Amt. of Cash Received on sales of
28 bales cotton sold in Columbia $ 867.70
1854 Cr
Nov 8 By Amt, R. Oneal, Col 134.29
By Amt Paid R. Oneal, Note 204.03
By Amt Boyce & Sprawl 36.40
Nov 16 By Amt Paid James M. Gregory (Medl) 19.75
10 By R.G. Otto, Pets Act 16.50
24 By J.L. Young, Act 53.50
By Keemais & McLure, Act 30.07
By J.M. Fasscett for Tax, 1854 23.71
Dec 5 By Amt Paid C.D. Bobo 18.32
By Amt Paid William Savage 35.68
Dec 20 By P.J.C. Taylor, Account 2.25
By Amt Paid Sims & Rolls .40
1855
April 10 By B.F. Gregory, Provision Act 8.00
By D.S. Oadston, Provision Act 117.91
By Amt Paid WG. Sturt, hauling tombstone (Col) 2.50
1853 By Amt Paid for 2 keags for Pickens Gregory 23.49
799.87Court of Ordinary, 17 January 1855
Personally appeared W.H. Gregory, one of the Executors of the Estate of B.J. Gregory, deceased, who proves this action by his sworn oath and produced the proper vouchers marked thus.