Avent - Person Sheet
Avent - Person Sheet
NameBRANCH, William 
Birth Dateabt 1715
Birth PlaceChowan County, North Carolina
Death Date24 Oct 1793 Age: 78
Death PlaceHalifax County, North Carolina
FlagsSlave Owner
FatherBRANCH, John (~1695-1751)
MotherGOODE, Mary (<1709-1737)
Misc. Notes
Name: William Branch
Birth: 1719 in Bristol Parish, Chesterfield, Virginia
Death: 1794 in North Carolina
Event: Will Proved FEB 1794 Halifax County, North Carolina
BIRTH: He had his first child in 1744. He would have been about 25 at the time of his birth. Dorothy Hughes lists birth at 1719.
OCCUPATION: D.D.Hughes notes, pg 60, "FOURTH GENERATION-Joel Dillard":
...In addition to the purchases and sales of land, William Branch witnessed 14 deeds and was mentioned in 4 others. In addition on 22 June 1762, he & 6 others posted a bond to Thomas Hall. This was probably in connection with his becoming Deputy Sheriff. (Dr. SE Bradley, The Deeds of Halifax Co, NC, 1758-1771, DB7,p 226, #1006) William Branch was Depty Sheriff of Halifax Co in 1762 and in 1766 and later was one of 2 representatives of Halifax Co in the Colonial Assembly of NC. He is frequently mentioned in The Colonial Records of NC during colonial times as a member of various legislative committees, for presenting petitions, for sponsoring various legislation and for other offical actions. After the Declaration of Independence (4 July 1776), on 23 Dec 1778, William and John Branch were 2 of the 11 Justices of the Peace appointed by the State Congress in Halifax Co. In this capacity, they were among the officials responsible for the first actions of NC as one of the newly created United States instead of an English Colony. (Walter Clark, The State Papers of NC-Goldsboro, NC-Vol 23, Laws 1715-1776, John, P. 994, Wm, 994): An Ordinance for appointing Justices of the Peace, Sheriffs and Constables for the several Counties in this state, for erecting county courts for the purposes of holding Sessions of the Peace and putting into execution the laws relative to Orphans, Guardians and highways until provisions shall be made by the General Assembly of this State for the same...Montfort Elbeck, John Bradford, William Branch, Philip Kearney. Egbert Haywood, Joseph John, William Samuel Weldon, John Jones, Charles Whitaker, Benjamin McCullock and John Branch, Esquires of the County of Halifax....D.D. Hughes notes.
William Branch served as a Justice of the Peace until 2 Dec 1791, when he petitioned the House of Rep. to relieve him of the duties of the Justice of the Peace, saying that he was 72 years of age(proves birth year as 1719), had served his country for 40 years, and desired that someone else be appointed. (D.D.Hughes notes-Walter Clark, Colonial & State Records of NC, Vol VII, Pp342-362, Vol XXIII, p.994 and John Bennett Boddie, "Historical Southern Families, Branch of Halifax Co, NC" Vol. IX, pp 265-267. Both Boddie and Jo White Lynn omitted Martha Dillard as William Branch's daughter, but she was named in his will. Boddie's ref. for 1791: NC Dept of Archives Legislative Papers #103, Pet. was accept. by the House and the Senate 22 Feb 1791.
CENSUS: 1790 Halifax Co, NC - William Branch paid tax on himself as 1 white poll and on 16 slaves. (This was the same number of slaves that was mentioned later in his will in 1793.)
DEATH/WILL: Genealogical Abstracts of Wills, 1758-1824 Halifax Co, NC (M.Hofmann) William Branch mentioned his daughter, Martha Dillard in his will. Will #467,Pg 218. William Branch, Sr. 24 Oct 1793, Feb Ct.1794 Lend wife Elizabeth Branch as long as she remains a widow the use of my Plantation containing 100 acres, negroes, etc. son Nicholas Branch land etc. at wife's death or marriage and the residue of negroes and the rest of my land containing 800 acres. Son, John Branch and my daughters Elizabeth Marshall, Mary Scurlock, and Sarah Hill negroes each, Daughter Ann Fleuellin 5 shillings etc. Daughter Jane Overstreet Chintz for a gown etc. Daughter Martha Dillard 15 pounds et. Wit. James Matthews, William Pullen Extr. friend, John Branch (prob.brother)
Will of William Branch, 24 Oct 1793, Filed Court 1794, pg 131-132, Halifax, NC (per Doris Lile, 8/1974 Family Group Sheet for Joel Dilliard, Granbury Library, Granbury, TX) Dorothy Hughes has a copy of William's will. She states that she transcribed the will in Raleigh from the original in the Archives: Nicholas, John, Ann Flewellen, Elizabeth Marshall, Jane Overstreet, Martha Dillard, Mary Scurlock and Sarah Hill. It is as follows: In the name of God Amen..I William Branch Senior of the county of Halifax and state of NC being of sound and perfect mind and memory, blessed be God, do this 24 day of Oct in the year of our Lord, 1793, make and publish my last Will and testament in manner and form following that is to say. Imprimis I give & recommend my Soul to Almighty God who gave it to me, and my body to teh Earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my Executors hereafter mentioned; and touching such worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me with in this life, I give and dispose of the same in the following manner Viz. Item It is my Will and desire that all my just debts be first paid out of the whole of my estate by my Executor hereafter named. Item I lend to my beloved Wife, Elizabeth Branch as long as she shall remain my Widow the use of the plantation whereon I now live containing 100 acres of land, and also the use of 2 negroes, viz, Sarah & Ned & 10 pounds Virginia money to be applied for the use of a horse; 3 cows & calves, 2 feather beds & furniture, 3 sows and pigs, 6 head of sheep, all the geese, one loom and gear all of my spinning wheels & cards and one flax hackle. And after her death or marriage all that I have lent to my said wife both land and personal estate I give devise and bequeath to my son, John Branch, 1 negro boy called by the name of George to him his heirs & assigns forever...Item, I give to my daughter Ann Flewellin, 5 shillings current money of the State of NC exclusive of what I have already heretofore given to her, to her, her heirs and assigns forever. Item I lend to my daughter Elizabeth Marshall, the use of 4 negroes Viz Winny Beck, Violet and Sarah, as long as the said Elizabeth Marshall lives a natural life & at her death, the aforesaid negroes and their increase (p.132) to be at her own disposal, to give them and their increase to whom she pleases. Item I give and bequeath to my daughter, Jane Overstreet one chintz pattern for a gown & 5 shillings current money of the state of NC exclusive of what I have heretofore already given to her, her heirs and assigns forever. Item, I give & bequeath to my daughter, MARTHA DILLARD, 15 pounds Virginia money exclusive of what I have already given to her heretofore, to her, her heirs and assigns forever.. Item, I give and bequeath to my daughter, Mary Scurlock, 2 negroes, Viz Anneca and little Doll, to her, her heirs and assigns forever..Item, I give and bequeath to my daughter, Sarah Hill, 3 Negroes Viz Bibb, Esther & Lewis and 10 pounds Va. money to her, her heirs and assigns forever. Item, I give and bequeath to my son, Nicholas Branch, all the residue and remaining part of my land, containing 800 acres be the same more or less and also I give and bequeath to my said Son, Nicholas Branch, all the remaining part of my negroes that I have not already given away Viz Phil, David, Chaney, Old Hannah, Old Peter and all the residue and remaining part of my estate of every kind whatever to him, his heirs and assigns forever...Lastly, I do hereby make & ordain my worthy friend, John Branch and Matthew Cary, Sr ("and Matthew Cary Sr" is crossed out) Executors ("s" is crossed out) of this my last will & testament. In witness whereof, I the said WILLIAM BRANCH have to this my last will & testament set my hand & seal the day & year first above written. Signed sealed published & declared by the said WILLIAM BRANCH the Testator as his last will and testament, in the presence of us who were present at the time of signing and sealing thereof...James Mathews, Gnt/William Pullen, Gnt/Jno Branch 2nd. Signed WILLIAM BRANCH, seal. Halifax Co Ct, Feb Session 1791 (sic) This will has been exhibited in Open Court and duly proved by the oaths of William Pullen and James Mathews, 2 of the subscribing Witnesses thereto and on Motion Ordered to be Recorded, whereupon John Branch, the Executor in the said will named Came in and was duly qualifyed thereto. Witness: L. Long C Ct (Halifax Co Will Bk 3, pp 131-132. NC State Archives)
Dorothy Dillard Hughes: e-mail 20 Mar 1998- Joel Dilliard's father, Nicholas, lived in Halifax Co, NC. Halifax which was the capital of NC during the Revolution. William Branch, father of Joel's wife, Martha, was a Justice of the Peace all during the Rev. and so was an important man. Halifax was then the head of navigation on the Roanoke River, and so was an important town. It is now a restored village, Historic Halifax, and is quite interesting, especially to a descendant of someone who lived there. Halifax was the recruiting center for Continental soldiers. In 1781 English cavalry under Colonel Banastre Tarleton preceded Cornwallis on his way N from SC to Yorktown and defeated the few militia left in Halifax after a smallpox epidemic made the Continental Soldiers leave the town. When Cornwallis arrived there, he hanged 2 of his men who had committed outrages against some Halifax citizens. There is a picture of John Branch, son of William Branch's brother, John, in the Visitor Center there.
D.D. Hughes: letter 17 Sept 1997: The tradition was that some Branch descendants were connected with Pocahontas, but William was not one of the line...Our William Branch never had a middle name mentioned. In colonial times it was illegal in Eng for a man to have a middle name and held good in Am too. Middle names began to be used for some children born during the middle 1700's. At least one woman was accepted as a member of Colonial Dames of the XVII as a descendant of Christopher Branch down to John Branch, the proved brother of our ancestor, William Branch. I've read that William's brother John's son, John became a governor of NC. I have not been convinced that William and John Branch belong to Christopher's line, though it would be an excellent one to belong to. There were Branches in Chowan County, NC who could have been their forebears. I copied the docum. of Christopher's ancestors back to the 1400's from, I think, the William and Mary College 1/4ly, but the gen. from VA to NC makes me suspicious. The Branch husband (John JR) would have been too young to marry, and the only proof of a marriage is that that the bride is said to be Martha.. Lewis Henry. This line descends from Christopher's oldest son, Thomas, not from the one which supposedly has a connection with Pocahontas. If William Branch could be proved as part of Christopher's line, I'd be very happy. We could join the Jamestown Society (Christopher was a Burges and was in VA in 1620), Colonial Dames of XVII, and even the Descendants of the Illegitimate Sons and Daughters of the Kings of Britain, commonly called the "Royal Bastards" the most difficult lineage society to get into because of its stringent research standards. Every line must have unquestionable proof from exist. rec of the time in which the anc. lived.
Genealog.Abstracts of Wills, 1758-1824, Halifax Co, NC (Mar.Hofman): pg 17: Will #77, pg 113, 6 Aug 1756, July Ct 1763: William Branch Sr. and William Hargroves are shown as extr. that gave bond with George Bristow for will of Roger Taylor Pg 21: Will #102, Pg 149, 16 Mar 1764, Oct Ct 1764: Friends William Branch and Benjamin H..named as Extrs. for John Grice pg 74: Will #368, pg 127, 27 Dec 1786, Feb Ct 1787: William Branch Sr, William Paradice and William Hill named as Extrs. for George Wallice Will #734, Pg 453, 21 Nov. 1805, John Branch Sr. mentions 10,000 acres on Duck River in TN (part of which was patented in the name of my brother, William Branch, Decd.) Lunsford Long was 1 of his Executors of this will.
DEEDS: Patent-Find 10,000 acres along Duck River in TN patented to William Branch and mentioned in his brother, John's, will 21 Nov 1805. (See John's file for complete info, RIN59). John bequeathed this land to his son, Joseph Branch. This deed also proves that William and John were brothers.
13 Oct 1754 Granville Grant (Right Honorable John Earl Viscount of Granville)as mentioned in Deeds of Halifax Co,NC below) to William Branch (he sold some of this to son,John) Granville Grantees: Deed Book 6, Halifax Co, NC, Public Registry Pg 58: Granville to William Branch of Edgecombe Co., planter 30 Oct 1754, 640 acres, between Right Honorable John Earl Granville Viscount & Wm. Branch, 3 shillings proc. money in Edgecombe beginning at a red oak etc. 640 acres yearly rent in sum 25 sh 7 pence half penny which is at rate of 3 sh sterl or 4 sh proclamation money for every 100 acres joining Jos. Jno.Alston and Thomas Kearney. Wit: John & Sherwood Haywood. Reg. Edge.Co. Aug Ct. 1756 Joseph Montfort CC D.D.Hughes notes: August Court, 1756-Deed of sale proved-by oath of Jno.Haywood Esquire on evidence thereto and on moen (motion) ordered to be registered. Test Jos. Montford, Cler. Cur. - Microfilm Halifax Positive CG-3 Positive Record of Deeds 1741-1760, Vol 5, 6,7. Register of Deeds, Vol 6, Years 1756-1758, Pages 1-371, Filmed 11-26-62. Read in Raleigh at the NC Archives, 10 Jan 1977
Deed: Bk2, Pg229-230, NC, Halifax Co. Index Grantees, A-L, 1732-1905(from DDHughes): To all Christian people to whom these presents shall come Greeting & c. know ye that William Branch of Province of NC and County of Edgecombe Planter for divers good causes, and considerations of the sum of three pounds of current money of the Colony of Va. to me in hand well and truly paid by Jacob Strickland of the province and county aforesaid Planter the receipt whereof I do acknowledge, and myself therewith fully satisfyed contented & paid...land 213 acres being 1/3 part of tract, containing 640 acres granted by a deed issued out of the Earl Granvilles land office signed by Earl Granvilles agents date 30 Oct 1754. 313 acres Beginning at a red oak on Joseph John Alstons line along line of markd trees to a pine corner tree along line of marked trees to a red oak standing in a little swamp down the swamp to a corner Sassafras tree a Sassafras along marked trees to first station to have and to hold together with all houses orchards gardens ways woods, underwoods with all water and water courses and all and every the appurtinances thereunto belonging in as full and ample manner to all intents and purposes myself might or could have enjoyed by virtue of the above pre bargained premises, and that the said Jacob Strickland his heirs Exors, administrators, or assigns shall and may from time to time and at all times forever hereafter by force and virtue of these presents lawfully peacably and quietly have hold us occupy possess and enjoy the sd land with all and every the appurtenances thereof belonging from the Let, suit or molestation of from or by or under me, my heirs exors or ad.ors, or any other person or persons, they or their heirs, exors, admors. And the said William Branch do further Covenant, grant to and with the said Jacob Strickland, that at the time of the ensealing and delivery of these presents I am the true sole and lawfull owner of the said bargained premises and have in myself(p.230)full right & power and lawfull authority to sell and dispose of the same in a manner aforesaid and that all the said land and premises with all and every the appurtenances are free and clear, and stand freely and clearly acquitted exonerated and discharged of and from all and all manner of former or other gifts, Grants Bargains, Sales, Leases, Mortgages, wills, entails, Joynture, Decourses, or any other Incumbrances, except the conditions and provisoes to be performed mentioned in the said deed of grant from Earl Granville...hereunto set my hand and seal this 25th day of Nov 1754, WILLIAM BRANCH (seal), signed, sealed and delivered in presence of us, John Branch, William Strickland, Edgecomb Co, 1st May Court 1755, ordered registered, test-Jos Montfort Cler Crt.
The Deeds of Halifax Co, NC, 1771-1786, Abst.Dr.S.Bradley: Pg5/DB7(68-68) 4 Apr 1759, John and Ann Branch of Halifax Co to Nathan.Barrett ofsame.25 pounds of Virginia.157 acres which was part of a Granville Grant to William Branch 13 Oct 1754,on N.side of Beaver Dam Swamp,joining Joseph Jno.Alston, Thomas Cain. John Branch(x) Ann A.Branch(x).Wit:Willm.Branch, Edward Barrett, George Dawkins.Dec Ct 1759.CC:Jos.Montfort (Joseph Montfort of Edgecombe Parish,Halifax Co. was appointed by T.Child,Attorney General,empowered 25 Apr.1759 to enter Grants and receive fees for lands in Halifax and Edgecombe Co.) Pg5/DB7(66-67) 13 Sept 1759,Henry Pope planter Edgecomb Parish Edgecombe Co to John Branch planter of same, 94 pounds 9 shillings. 100 acres which had been purch.from John Branch Sr and John Branch Jr.on N.side of Beech Swamp, joing A.Hill 91 acres joing Gooding, Pope: Witn.: Wm. Branch, Wm.Gulledge Dec Ct 1759.... Pg 12/Deed Book 7,186(170),8 Mar 1760. Witness to Deed of John Branch and Ann to Isasc Strickland. 10 pounds 6 shillings of Virginia. 56 acres, which had been part of a Granville Grant to Wm. Branch 13 Oct 1754, on Beaverdam Swamp, joining JOS. Jno Alston, Thomas Kearney. John Branch (x) Ann Branch (x). Wit. Wm. Branch, Saml. Hardy. Exam.by Montfort Eelbeck, Ann Branch relinquished her dower in the land. CC: Jos. Montfort. DB13,pg290: William Sr. gave his "beloved son, John Branch" 200 acres and a water grist mill, "being purchased by said William Branch from William Short adjacent to Conocanary Swamp and Joseph Lane.
Pg83/DB15(1351-355)10 Aug 1784 Wm. Branch Sr.(along with his son, Wm.Branch) witnessed a deed from Brittain Gulledge to Henry Overstreet which joined Joel Dilliard's property. Pg80/DB15(1310-301) 12 Feb 1785 Either William,Sr or his son had land bordering William Flewellin(daughter, Ann's husband?), Hills Branch, Law,and Benjamin Langsdel in a sale from Benjamin Langsdale to Wm. Flewellyn(daughter, Ann's husband?) in Halifax Co. Joel DILLIARD witnessed the deed. DB16,pg133: 21 Nov 1786 William Branch Sr. gave his son, William Jr., 500 ac "for Love & affection". #1365(DB17,pg661) William Branch Sr. of Halifax Co. to William Branch Jr. of same 20 July 1793, 460 pounds, 396 acres which sd William Branch Sr. had purchased from James Scurlock and which had belonged to Thomas Scurlock dec'd on both sides of the road from Town of Halifax to Enfield, joining Carter, Bansworth, Moses, Matthews. WILLIAM BRANCH, Wit. James Tatume, Nicholas Branch. Aug Ct. 1794. CC. L. Long #1213(DB17,pg569) William Branch Jr. of Halifax Co. to George Scurlock of same. 16 Sept 1793. 164 pounds, 100 acres which was part of the land Thomas Scurlock dec'd had owned and Egbert Haywood was executor, and sold according to William Branch Sr. 2 Jan 1793, and in 1793 sd Branch Sr. executed it to his son William Branch, Jr. William BRANCH, Jr. Wit: William Hill, John Knight. Nov.Ct 1793. CC: L. Long (Dr. Stephen Bradley, Jr. The Deeds of Halifax Co, NC 1786-1796)
DB17, pg 762, (Margaret Hofman, "Genealogical Abstracts of Wills, 1758-1824, Halifax Co, NC. Abstracts of Will Books 1,2,3, Weldon-1970): John Branch the elder of Halifax Co. guardian to John Branch the younger minor son of William Branch, dec'd to William Gilmour of town of Halifax. 13 Mar 1795. 725 pounds, 800 acres joining Beech Swamp, William Branch Sr. dec'd, William Paradise, road from Halifax Town to Enfield, John Turner, Edwin Turner, Panther Branch, William Williams (formerly Martin's line), Ephraim Knight. Widow's dower had to be considered. J. Branch. Wit: Ephy Tillery, William Hill, May Ct. 1795, CC. L. Long
D.D.Hughes lists the following Halifax County Grantee Index lists the land purchases of William Branch: From: Gilbert Kincade (Bk2 Pg11), Earl Granville (Bk6,pg58), Hugh Hardy(Bk8,pg224), Wm.Grice(Bk8,pg432),Strickland et al (Bk9,pg 362),Wm.Short(Bk.12,pg173),Jas.Gorden(Bk13,pg113),Geo Dawkins(bk 13,pg 303,309) Wm.Lansdell(Bk13,pg76),Wm.Branch Jr.bought from Wm.Branch(Bk16,pg133),Wm.Flewellen(Bk17,pg121,557),Jos.Scurlock(Bk17,pg847), Daniel Welburn(Bk17,pg166)-Microflm.by NC Dept of Archives&History,Raleigh,NC Pt10,Index GranteesA-L,1732-1905,Halifax Co,NC,Reg.ofDeeds/Index to Deeds & Mortgages,Vol A-C. She also lists Grantor Index that shows that William Branch sold some of the land purchase and, as Sheriff, sold land as his office demanded, as when a mortgage was foreclosed: Sold to-Jacob Stickland(Bk2,pg229), John Branch(Bk6,pg 5), William Irby(bk 6,pg286), Robert Luckes(bk6,pg322), Benjamin Wooten(Bk8,pg268), Thos. Hill(Bk9,pg226),Daniel Green(Bk9,pg364), John Branch(Bk12,pg340),William acting as sheriff- Henry Eelbeck(bk12,pg358),Wm. Turner(bk13,pg10),Nichls.Long(bk13,pg35),Chas.Hamlin(bk13,pg227),John Bradford(bk13,pg328), Oroondales Davis(bk13,pg382),John Hamilton&Co(Bk13,pg474).-Microfilm by NC Dept of Archives & History, Div. of Arch.&Manuscripts,Raleigh, NC, Index to Deeds,Vol A-C, Grantor, 1732-1905,Filmed 2/25/63
Journal of the Council of the State of Virginia: Pg 464: A Warrant to James Ball & JN. Goode for L30.18.1. 1/2 for prov. & Waggon hire to Capt Flemings Co of 7th Reg. also 18/. for D.to Captain Faulcnors Comp: of the 5th Reg. also for use Wm. Branch for 18/9 for Waggon hire to Captain Flemings Comp.
Dr. Stephen E. Bradley, The Deeds of Halifax Co, NC 1758-1771(S.Boston,VA); Compiler, 1989, No. 1006 (DB7,p226): 22 June 1762, William & 6 others posted a bond to Thomas Hall. This was probably in connection with his becoming Deputy Sheriff. (D.D.Hughes notes)
e-mail, 28 May 1999, BRANCH-L@rootsweb.com, from VCRW@aol.com: Wm. was a "High Sheriff" in Halifax Co, NC
BIO: 1719 William Branch Sr. born in possibly Bristol Parish(not sure where this is) ? to possibly John & Martha Louise (Henry) Branch. 1740 Brother, John born this year. There are 21 years between their births. 13 Oct 1754 William received a Granville Grant from the Right Honorable John Earl Granville Viscount for 640 acres in Edgecombe Co. (from which Halifax Co, was created that same year). 30 Oct 1754 William of Edgecombe Parish, was shown as a planter on the Granville Grant for 640 acres that joined Jos, Jno Alston and Thomas Kearney. Witnessed by John and Sherwood Haywood. It shows 3 shillings of proclamation money was paid in Edgecombe and that the land began at a red oak, etc. 640 acres yearly rent in sum 25 shillings, 7 pence, 1/2 penny which is at a rate of 3 shillings sterling or 4 shillings proclamation money for every 100 acres. Did William buy this land or rent it from Granville? 25 Nov 1754 William didn't keep all of this land for very long. He sold 1/3 of it (213 acres)to Jacob Stickland for three pounds of current money of the Colony of Virginia. All the houses, orchards, gardens, woods and water rights were included in this sale that were on this property. Did William rebuild on his other property? 1 May 1755 The land that Jacob Strickland bought on 25 Nov 1754, was registered in Edgecombe County May Court. Aug 1756 The Granville Grant was registered in the Edgecombe Parish Court to William. This deed of sale was proven by oath by Jno. Haywood, Esquire. William later sold some of this to his brother, John. 6 Aug 1756 William Branch was shown as executor of will for Roger Taylor in Halifax Co, NC. 4 Apr 1759 John and Ann A. Branch of Halifax Co (prob.William's brother) gave Nathan. Barrett of Halifax Co. 25 pounds of Va money for 157 acres which was part of a Granville Grant to William Branch on 13 Oct 1754. It was located on the north side of Beaver Dam Swamp joining Joseph, Jno Alston, Thomas Cain. William Branch witnessed it. 13 Sept 1759 William Branch witnessed the sale of 100 acres which had been purchased from John Branch Sr and Jr. on N. side of Beech Swamp, joining A. Hill's 91 acres and Gooding, Pope for 94 pounds, 9 shillings to Henry Pope. 8 Mar 1760 William witnessed deed of John and Ann Branch of 56 acres which had been part of the Granville Grant to Wm. Branch on 13 Oct 1754, on Beaverdam Swamp. The sale was to Isasc Strickland for 10 pounds, 6 shillings. 22 June 1762 William Sr. and 6 other men posted a bond to Thomas Hall. This was probably in connection with William becoming Deputy Sheriff of Halifax Co. 1762 William Sr. was Deputy Sheriff of Halifax Co. in 1762 and later. July 1763 William Sr. and William Hargroves are shown as executors that gave bond with George Bristow for will of Roger Taylor in July Court of Halifax Co, NC. 16 Mar 1764 Friends William Branch and Benjamin H. were shown as Executors for John Grice. Oct 1764 John Grice's will was presented in the Oct Court of Halifax Co, NC with William and Benjamin H. as executors. 1766 William Sr. is still shown as Deputy Sheriff of Halifax Co. 1775 William Sr. gave his "beloved son", John Branch, 200 acres and a water grist mill which had been purchased previously by William from William Short and was adjacent to Conocanary Swamp and Joseph Lane. March 1776 A warrant was issued for the use of Wm. Branch's Waggon hire to Captain Flemings Company - 18/9(not sure what this number means). 1770's-1780's? William Branch was a Justice of the Peace all during the Revolutionary War and was an important man. Halifax was then the head of navigation on the Roanoke River and was an important place to live in, as well. It was the recruiting center for the Continental soldiers. He was also shown as a "High Sheriff in Halifax Co, NC. 23 Dec 1778 William and John Branch were two of the 11 Justices of the Peace appointed by the State Congress in Halifax Co, NC. In this capacity, they were among the officials responsible for the first actions of NC as one of the newly created United States instead of an English Colony. Some of the laws that he was to execute concerned Orphans, Guardians and Highways. 1781 English calvary under Colonel Banastre Tarleton preceded Cornwallis on his way North from SC to Yorktown. He defeated the few militia left in Halifax after a smallpox epidemic made the Continental Soldiers leave the town. When Cornwallis arrived there, he hanged 2 of his men who had committed outrages against some Halifax citizens. 10 Aug 1784 Wm. Branch, Sr. (along with his son, Wm. Branch) witnessed a deed from Brittain Gulledge to Henry Overstreet (he was married to Wm.'s daughter, Jane) which joined Joel Dilliard's property. Maybe Joel received this property from his father-in-law who also gave some land to his daughter, Jane and her husband, Henry Overstreet. 12 Feb 1785 There was a sale of land bordering William Flewellen (married to Wm's daughter, Ann) and William's property along with Hills Branch, Law and Benjamin Langsdale. The sale was from B. Langsdale to Wm. Flewellen in Halifax Co. William's son-in-law, Joel Dilliard witnessed the deed. 21 Nov 1786 William Sr. gave his son, William Jr. 500 acres "for love and affection" in Halifax Co, NC. Therefore, William Jr. was not mentioned in his father's will as being given property because his father had already given him this land before he died in 1793/94. 27 Dec 1786 William Sr., William Paradice and William Hill (he was married to William Branch's daughter, Sarah) are appointed executors for George Wallice. Feb 1787 George Wallice's will was presented in Court of Halifax Co, NC with William Sr, William Paradice and William Hill as executors. 1790 Halifax County tax was paid on himself as 1 white poll and 16 slaves, which was the same number mentioned in his will 3 years later. This inform- ation was taken from the 1790 census. 2 Dec 1791 William Sr. served as a Justice of the Peace until this date. He petitioned the House of Representatives to relieve him of the duties of the Justice of the Peace, saying that he was 72 years of age, had served his country for 40 years and desired that someone else be appointed. 2 Jan 1793 William Sr. bought ? acres which were part of the land Thomas Scurlock, dec'd had owned and Egbert Haywood was executor. This was the land that he sold to William Jr. in July, 1793. 20 July 1793 William Sr. sold William Jr. 396 acres for 460 pounds. Sr. had purchased this land from James Scurlock (and had belonged to Thomas Scurlock, dec'd). It was on both sides of the road from the town of Halifax to Enfield and joined Carter, Bansworth, Moses, Matthews. The deed was witnessed by James Tatume and Nicholas Branch and noted by county clerk, L.(Lunsford) Long. 16 Sept 1793 William Jr. sold some of the land that he had purchased from William, Sr. to George Scurlock (possibly the husband to William Jr's sister, Mary). It was 100 acres for 164 pounds. This sale was recorded in the Halifax Co. November Court, 1793. It was witnessed by William Hill (William Jr.'s other sister's, Sarah, husband) and John Knight. bef 24 Oct 1793 William Branch's will was submitted this day to the Halifax Co, NC Court. He lent his wife, Elizabeth, as long as she didn't remarry, the use of his Plantation containing 100 acres, the negroes, etc. Upon her death or remarriage, his oldest son, Nicholas was to be given the Plantation, the residue of negroes and the rest of his land which contained 800 acres. His other son, John and daughters, Elizabeth Marshall, Mary Scurlock and Sarah Hill were left negroes. His daughter, Ann Fleuellin, was left 15 shillings, etc. and his other daughter, Jane Overstreet, was left Chintz fabric for a gown, etc. Finally his daughter, Martha Dillard was left 15 pounds, etc. The witnesses to his will were James Matthews, William Pullen. The Executor was friend (and his brother) John Branch. Feb, 1794 William's will recorded in Feb. Court in Halifax Co, NC. There is a picture of John Branch, son of William Branch's brother, John, hanging in the Visitor Center there today. He was governor of NC. 13 March 1795 John Branch (the elder of Halifax Co which I assume is William Sr's brother) was guardian to John Branch, the younger minor son of William Branch, dec'd (is this Sr?) sold to William Gilmour th
Father: John Richard Branch , Jr. b: ca. 1700 in Bertie County, North Carolina Formed 1722 From Chowan County Mother: Martha Louise Henry b: ca. 1700
Marriage 1 Elizabeth ? Children Nicholas Branch John Branch Ann Branch Elizabeth Branch Jane Branch Martha Branch Mary Branch Sarah Branch William Branch , Jr.
Seems that their is a split on ancestry as to the parents of William Branch. Some people have Issachar and Sarah Branch as the parents and others like myself have John and Mary Goode as the parents. I would like to add DNA evidence that possibly supports that John and Mary are the parents. The Branch DNA project has a DNA match on a decesendent of William Branch and one from Gov. John Branch's lineage. Gov. John Branch is the son of Col. John Branch who had a brother named William.The line from Gov. Branch is well documented due to this lines power and lists the parents as John Branch and Mary Goode. Now we can't be certain that the split happened at John and Mary, we only know that the two participants share a common ancestor. So I am not saying that this proves that Williams parents were John and Mary. Obviously Issachar could be a a distant realtive to the same line. However, I find it strange that Issachar is a Hebrew based name and doesn't seem to fit the naming conventions of the William line.
OCCUPATION: D.D.Hughes notes, pg 60, "FOURTH GENERATION-Joel Dillard":
...In addition to the purchases and sales of land, William Branch witnessed 14 deeds and was mentioned in 4 others. In addition on 22 June 1762, he & 6 others posted a bond to Thomas Hall. This was probably in connection with his becoming Deputy Sheriff. (Dr. SE Bradley, The Deeds of Halifax Co, NC, 1758-1771, DB7,p 226, #1006) William Branch was Depty Sheriff of Halifax Co in 1762 and in 1766 and later was one of 2 representatives of Halifax Co in the Colonial Assembly of NC. He is frequently mentioned in The Colonial Records of NC during colonial times as a member of various legislative committees, for presenting petitions, for sponsoring various legislation and for other offical actions. After the Declaration of Independence (4 July 1776), on 23 Dec 1778, William and John Branch were 2 of the 11 Justices of the Peace appointed by the State Congress in Halifax Co. In this capacity, they were among the officials responsible for the first actions of NC as one of the newly created United States instead of an English Colony. (Walter Clark, The State Papers of NC-Goldsboro, NC-Vol 23, Laws 1715-1776, John, P. 994, Wm, 994): An Ordinance for appointing Justices of the Peace, Sheriffs and Constables for the several Counties in this state, for erecting county courts for the purposes of holding Sessions of the Peace and putting into execution the laws relative to Orphans, Guardians and highways until provisions shall be made by the General Assembly of this State for the same...Montfort Elbeck, John Bradford, William Branch, Philip Kearney. Egbert Haywood, Joseph John, William Samuel Weldon, John Jones, Charles Whitaker, Benjamin McCullock and John Branch, Esquires of the County of Halifax....D.D. Hughes notes.
William Branch served as a Justice of the Peace until 2 Dec 1791, when he petitioned the House of Rep. to relieve him of the duties of the Justice of the Peace, saying that he was 72 years of age(proves birth year as 1719), had served his country for 40 years, and desired that someone else be appointed. (D.D.Hughes notes-Walter Clark, Colonial & State Records of NC, Vol VII, Pp342-362, Vol XXIII, p.994 and John Bennett Boddie, "Historical Southern Families, Branch of Halifax Co, NC" Vol. IX, pp 265-267. Both Boddie and Jo White Lynn omitted Martha Dillard as William Branch's daughter, but she was named in his will. Boddie's ref. for 1791: NC Dept of Archives Legislative Papers #103, Pet. was accept. by the House and the Senate 22 Feb 1791.
CENSUS: 1790 Halifax Co, NC - William Branch paid tax on himself as 1 white poll and on 16 slaves. (This was the same number of slaves that was mentioned later in his will in 1793.)
DEATH/WILL: Genealogical Abstracts of Wills, 1758-1824 Halifax Co, NC (M.Hofmann) William Branch mentioned his daughter, Martha Dillard in his will. Will #467,Pg 218. William Branch, Sr. 24 Oct 1793, Feb Ct.1794 Lend wife Elizabeth Branch as long as she remains a widow the use of my Plantation containing 100 acres, negroes, etc. son Nicholas Branch land etc. at wife's death or marriage and the residue of negroes and the rest of my land containing 800 acres. Son, John Branch and my daughters Elizabeth Marshall, Mary Scurlock, and Sarah Hill negroes each, Daughter Ann Fleuellin 5 shillings etc. Daughter Jane Overstreet Chintz for a gown etc. Daughter Martha Dillard 15 pounds et. Wit. James Matthews, William Pullen Extr. friend, John Branch (prob.brother)
Will of William Branch, 24 Oct 1793, Filed Court 1794, pg 131-132, Halifax, NC (per Doris Lile, 8/1974 Family Group Sheet for Joel Dilliard, Granbury Library, Granbury, TX) Dorothy Hughes has a copy of William's will. She states that she transcribed the will in Raleigh from the original in the Archives: Nicholas, John, Ann Flewellen, Elizabeth Marshall, Jane Overstreet, Martha Dillard, Mary Scurlock and Sarah Hill. It is as follows: In the name of God Amen..I William Branch Senior of the county of Halifax and state of NC being of sound and perfect mind and memory, blessed be God, do this 24 day of Oct in the year of our Lord, 1793, make and publish my last Will and testament in manner and form following that is to say. Imprimis I give & recommend my Soul to Almighty God who gave it to me, and my body to teh Earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my Executors hereafter mentioned; and touching such worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me with in this life, I give and dispose of the same in the following manner Viz. Item It is my Will and desire that all my just debts be first paid out of the whole of my estate by my Executor hereafter named. Item I lend to my beloved Wife, Elizabeth Branch as long as she shall remain my Widow the use of the plantation whereon I now live containing 100 acres of land, and also the use of 2 negroes, viz, Sarah & Ned & 10 pounds Virginia money to be applied for the use of a horse; 3 cows & calves, 2 feather beds & furniture, 3 sows and pigs, 6 head of sheep, all the geese, one loom and gear all of my spinning wheels & cards and one flax hackle. And after her death or marriage all that I have lent to my said wife both land and personal estate I give devise and bequeath to my son, John Branch, 1 negro boy called by the name of George to him his heirs & assigns forever...Item, I give to my daughter Ann Flewellin, 5 shillings current money of the State of NC exclusive of what I have already heretofore given to her, to her, her heirs and assigns forever. Item I lend to my daughter Elizabeth Marshall, the use of 4 negroes Viz Winny Beck, Violet and Sarah, as long as the said Elizabeth Marshall lives a natural life & at her death, the aforesaid negroes and their increase (p.132) to be at her own disposal, to give them and their increase to whom she pleases. Item I give and bequeath to my daughter, Jane Overstreet one chintz pattern for a gown & 5 shillings current money of the state of NC exclusive of what I have heretofore already given to her, her heirs and assigns forever. Item, I give & bequeath to my daughter, MARTHA DILLARD, 15 pounds Virginia money exclusive of what I have already given to her heretofore, to her, her heirs and assigns forever.. Item, I give and bequeath to my daughter, Mary Scurlock, 2 negroes, Viz Anneca and little Doll, to her, her heirs and assigns forever..Item, I give and bequeath to my daughter, Sarah Hill, 3 Negroes Viz Bibb, Esther & Lewis and 10 pounds Va. money to her, her heirs and assigns forever. Item, I give and bequeath to my son, Nicholas Branch, all the residue and remaining part of my land, containing 800 acres be the same more or less and also I give and bequeath to my said Son, Nicholas Branch, all the remaining part of my negroes that I have not already given away Viz Phil, David, Chaney, Old Hannah, Old Peter and all the residue and remaining part of my estate of every kind whatever to him, his heirs and assigns forever...Lastly, I do hereby make & ordain my worthy friend, John Branch and Matthew Cary, Sr ("and Matthew Cary Sr" is crossed out) Executors ("s" is crossed out) of this my last will & testament. In witness whereof, I the said WILLIAM BRANCH have to this my last will & testament set my hand & seal the day & year first above written. Signed sealed published & declared by the said WILLIAM BRANCH the Testator as his last will and testament, in the presence of us who were present at the time of signing and sealing thereof...James Mathews, Gnt/William Pullen, Gnt/Jno Branch 2nd. Signed WILLIAM BRANCH, seal. Halifax Co Ct, Feb Session 1791 (sic) This will has been exhibited in Open Court and duly proved by the oaths of William Pullen and James Mathews, 2 of the subscribing Witnesses thereto and on Motion Ordered to be Recorded, whereupon John Branch, the Executor in the said will named Came in and was duly qualifyed thereto. Witness: L. Long C Ct (Halifax Co Will Bk 3, pp 131-132. NC State Archives)
Dorothy Dillard Hughes: e-mail 20 Mar 1998- Joel Dilliard's father, Nicholas, lived in Halifax Co, NC. Halifax which was the capital of NC during the Revolution. William Branch, father of Joel's wife, Martha, was a Justice of the Peace all during the Rev. and so was an important man. Halifax was then the head of navigation on the Roanoke River, and so was an important town. It is now a restored village, Historic Halifax, and is quite interesting, especially to a descendant of someone who lived there. Halifax was the recruiting center for Continental soldiers. In 1781 English cavalry under Colonel Banastre Tarleton preceded Cornwallis on his way N from SC to Yorktown and defeated the few militia left in Halifax after a smallpox epidemic made the Continental Soldiers leave the town. When Cornwallis arrived there, he hanged 2 of his men who had committed outrages against some Halifax citizens. There is a picture of John Branch, son of William Branch's brother, John, in the Visitor Center there.
D.D. Hughes: letter 17 Sept 1997: The tradition was that some Branch descendants were connected with Pocahontas, but William was not one of the line...Our William Branch never had a middle name mentioned. In colonial times it was illegal in Eng for a man to have a middle name and held good in Am too. Middle names began to be used for some children born during the middle 1700's. At least one woman was accepted as a member of Colonial Dames of the XVII as a descendant of Christopher Branch down to John Branch, the proved brother of our ancestor, William Branch. I've read that William's brother John's son, John became a governor of NC. I have not been convinced that William and John Branch belong to Christopher's line, though it would be an excellent one to belong to. There were Branches in Chowan County, NC who could have been their forebears. I copied the docum. of Christopher's ancestors back to the 1400's from, I think, the William and Mary College 1/4ly, but the gen. from VA to NC makes me suspicious. The Branch husband (John JR) would have been too young to marry, and the only proof of a marriage is that that the bride is said to be Martha.. Lewis Henry. This line descends from Christopher's oldest son, Thomas, not from the one which supposedly has a connection with Pocahontas. If William Branch could be proved as part of Christopher's line, I'd be very happy. We could join the Jamestown Society (Christopher was a Burges and was in VA in 1620), Colonial Dames of XVII, and even the Descendants of the Illegitimate Sons and Daughters of the Kings of Britain, commonly called the "Royal Bastards" the most difficult lineage society to get into because of its stringent research standards. Every line must have unquestionable proof from exist. rec of the time in which the anc. lived.
Genealog.Abstracts of Wills, 1758-1824, Halifax Co, NC (Mar.Hofman): pg 17: Will #77, pg 113, 6 Aug 1756, July Ct 1763: William Branch Sr. and William Hargroves are shown as extr. that gave bond with George Bristow for will of Roger Taylor Pg 21: Will #102, Pg 149, 16 Mar 1764, Oct Ct 1764: Friends William Branch and Benjamin H..named as Extrs. for John Grice pg 74: Will #368, pg 127, 27 Dec 1786, Feb Ct 1787: William Branch Sr, William Paradice and William Hill named as Extrs. for George Wallice Will #734, Pg 453, 21 Nov. 1805, John Branch Sr. mentions 10,000 acres on Duck River in TN (part of which was patented in the name of my brother, William Branch, Decd.) Lunsford Long was 1 of his Executors of this will.
DEEDS: Patent-Find 10,000 acres along Duck River in TN patented to William Branch and mentioned in his brother, John's, will 21 Nov 1805. (See John's file for complete info, RIN59). John bequeathed this land to his son, Joseph Branch. This deed also proves that William and John were brothers.
13 Oct 1754 Granville Grant (Right Honorable John Earl Viscount of Granville)as mentioned in Deeds of Halifax Co,NC below) to William Branch (he sold some of this to son,John) Granville Grantees: Deed Book 6, Halifax Co, NC, Public Registry Pg 58: Granville to William Branch of Edgecombe Co., planter 30 Oct 1754, 640 acres, between Right Honorable John Earl Granville Viscount & Wm. Branch, 3 shillings proc. money in Edgecombe beginning at a red oak etc. 640 acres yearly rent in sum 25 sh 7 pence half penny which is at rate of 3 sh sterl or 4 sh proclamation money for every 100 acres joining Jos. Jno.Alston and Thomas Kearney. Wit: John & Sherwood Haywood. Reg. Edge.Co. Aug Ct. 1756 Joseph Montfort CC D.D.Hughes notes: August Court, 1756-Deed of sale proved-by oath of Jno.Haywood Esquire on evidence thereto and on moen (motion) ordered to be registered. Test Jos. Montford, Cler. Cur. - Microfilm Halifax Positive CG-3 Positive Record of Deeds 1741-1760, Vol 5, 6,7. Register of Deeds, Vol 6, Years 1756-1758, Pages 1-371, Filmed 11-26-62. Read in Raleigh at the NC Archives, 10 Jan 1977
Deed: Bk2, Pg229-230, NC, Halifax Co. Index Grantees, A-L, 1732-1905(from DDHughes): To all Christian people to whom these presents shall come Greeting & c. know ye that William Branch of Province of NC and County of Edgecombe Planter for divers good causes, and considerations of the sum of three pounds of current money of the Colony of Va. to me in hand well and truly paid by Jacob Strickland of the province and county aforesaid Planter the receipt whereof I do acknowledge, and myself therewith fully satisfyed contented & paid...land 213 acres being 1/3 part of tract, containing 640 acres granted by a deed issued out of the Earl Granvilles land office signed by Earl Granvilles agents date 30 Oct 1754. 313 acres Beginning at a red oak on Joseph John Alstons line along line of markd trees to a pine corner tree along line of marked trees to a red oak standing in a little swamp down the swamp to a corner Sassafras tree a Sassafras along marked trees to first station to have and to hold together with all houses orchards gardens ways woods, underwoods with all water and water courses and all and every the appurtinances thereunto belonging in as full and ample manner to all intents and purposes myself might or could have enjoyed by virtue of the above pre bargained premises, and that the said Jacob Strickland his heirs Exors, administrators, or assigns shall and may from time to time and at all times forever hereafter by force and virtue of these presents lawfully peacably and quietly have hold us occupy possess and enjoy the sd land with all and every the appurtenances thereof belonging from the Let, suit or molestation of from or by or under me, my heirs exors or ad.ors, or any other person or persons, they or their heirs, exors, admors. And the said William Branch do further Covenant, grant to and with the said Jacob Strickland, that at the time of the ensealing and delivery of these presents I am the true sole and lawfull owner of the said bargained premises and have in myself(p.230)full right & power and lawfull authority to sell and dispose of the same in a manner aforesaid and that all the said land and premises with all and every the appurtenances are free and clear, and stand freely and clearly acquitted exonerated and discharged of and from all and all manner of former or other gifts, Grants Bargains, Sales, Leases, Mortgages, wills, entails, Joynture, Decourses, or any other Incumbrances, except the conditions and provisoes to be performed mentioned in the said deed of grant from Earl Granville...hereunto set my hand and seal this 25th day of Nov 1754, WILLIAM BRANCH (seal), signed, sealed and delivered in presence of us, John Branch, William Strickland, Edgecomb Co, 1st May Court 1755, ordered registered, test-Jos Montfort Cler Crt.
The Deeds of Halifax Co, NC, 1771-1786, Abst.Dr.S.Bradley: Pg5/DB7(68-68) 4 Apr 1759, John and Ann Branch of Halifax Co to Nathan.Barrett ofsame.25 pounds of Virginia.157 acres which was part of a Granville Grant to William Branch 13 Oct 1754,on N.side of Beaver Dam Swamp,joining Joseph Jno.Alston, Thomas Cain. John Branch(x) Ann A.Branch(x).Wit:Willm.Branch, Edward Barrett, George Dawkins.Dec Ct 1759.CC:Jos.Montfort (Joseph Montfort of Edgecombe Parish,Halifax Co. was appointed by T.Child,Attorney General,empowered 25 Apr.1759 to enter Grants and receive fees for lands in Halifax and Edgecombe Co.) Pg5/DB7(66-67) 13 Sept 1759,Henry Pope planter Edgecomb Parish Edgecombe Co to John Branch planter of same, 94 pounds 9 shillings. 100 acres which had been purch.from John Branch Sr and John Branch Jr.on N.side of Beech Swamp, joing A.Hill 91 acres joing Gooding, Pope: Witn.: Wm. Branch, Wm.Gulledge Dec Ct 1759.... Pg 12/Deed Book 7,186(170),8 Mar 1760. Witness to Deed of John Branch and Ann to Isasc Strickland. 10 pounds 6 shillings of Virginia. 56 acres, which had been part of a Granville Grant to Wm. Branch 13 Oct 1754, on Beaverdam Swamp, joining JOS. Jno Alston, Thomas Kearney. John Branch (x) Ann Branch (x). Wit. Wm. Branch, Saml. Hardy. Exam.by Montfort Eelbeck, Ann Branch relinquished her dower in the land. CC: Jos. Montfort. DB13,pg290: William Sr. gave his "beloved son, John Branch" 200 acres and a water grist mill, "being purchased by said William Branch from William Short adjacent to Conocanary Swamp and Joseph Lane.
Pg83/DB15(1351-355)10 Aug 1784 Wm. Branch Sr.(along with his son, Wm.Branch) witnessed a deed from Brittain Gulledge to Henry Overstreet which joined Joel Dilliard's property. Pg80/DB15(1310-301) 12 Feb 1785 Either William,Sr or his son had land bordering William Flewellin(daughter, Ann's husband?), Hills Branch, Law,and Benjamin Langsdel in a sale from Benjamin Langsdale to Wm. Flewellyn(daughter, Ann's husband?) in Halifax Co. Joel DILLIARD witnessed the deed. DB16,pg133: 21 Nov 1786 William Branch Sr. gave his son, William Jr., 500 ac "for Love & affection". #1365(DB17,pg661) William Branch Sr. of Halifax Co. to William Branch Jr. of same 20 July 1793, 460 pounds, 396 acres which sd William Branch Sr. had purchased from James Scurlock and which had belonged to Thomas Scurlock dec'd on both sides of the road from Town of Halifax to Enfield, joining Carter, Bansworth, Moses, Matthews. WILLIAM BRANCH, Wit. James Tatume, Nicholas Branch. Aug Ct. 1794. CC. L. Long #1213(DB17,pg569) William Branch Jr. of Halifax Co. to George Scurlock of same. 16 Sept 1793. 164 pounds, 100 acres which was part of the land Thomas Scurlock dec'd had owned and Egbert Haywood was executor, and sold according to William Branch Sr. 2 Jan 1793, and in 1793 sd Branch Sr. executed it to his son William Branch, Jr. William BRANCH, Jr. Wit: William Hill, John Knight. Nov.Ct 1793. CC: L. Long (Dr. Stephen Bradley, Jr. The Deeds of Halifax Co, NC 1786-1796)
DB17, pg 762, (Margaret Hofman, "Genealogical Abstracts of Wills, 1758-1824, Halifax Co, NC. Abstracts of Will Books 1,2,3, Weldon-1970): John Branch the elder of Halifax Co. guardian to John Branch the younger minor son of William Branch, dec'd to William Gilmour of town of Halifax. 13 Mar 1795. 725 pounds, 800 acres joining Beech Swamp, William Branch Sr. dec'd, William Paradise, road from Halifax Town to Enfield, John Turner, Edwin Turner, Panther Branch, William Williams (formerly Martin's line), Ephraim Knight. Widow's dower had to be considered. J. Branch. Wit: Ephy Tillery, William Hill, May Ct. 1795, CC. L. Long
D.D.Hughes lists the following Halifax County Grantee Index lists the land purchases of William Branch: From: Gilbert Kincade (Bk2 Pg11), Earl Granville (Bk6,pg58), Hugh Hardy(Bk8,pg224), Wm.Grice(Bk8,pg432),Strickland et al (Bk9,pg 362),Wm.Short(Bk.12,pg173),Jas.Gorden(Bk13,pg113),Geo Dawkins(bk 13,pg 303,309) Wm.Lansdell(Bk13,pg76),Wm.Branch Jr.bought from Wm.Branch(Bk16,pg133),Wm.Flewellen(Bk17,pg121,557),Jos.Scurlock(Bk17,pg847), Daniel Welburn(Bk17,pg166)-Microflm.by NC Dept of Archives&History,Raleigh,NC Pt10,Index GranteesA-L,1732-1905,Halifax Co,NC,Reg.ofDeeds/Index to Deeds & Mortgages,Vol A-C. She also lists Grantor Index that shows that William Branch sold some of the land purchase and, as Sheriff, sold land as his office demanded, as when a mortgage was foreclosed: Sold to-Jacob Stickland(Bk2,pg229), John Branch(Bk6,pg 5), William Irby(bk 6,pg286), Robert Luckes(bk6,pg322), Benjamin Wooten(Bk8,pg268), Thos. Hill(Bk9,pg226),Daniel Green(Bk9,pg364), John Branch(Bk12,pg340),William acting as sheriff- Henry Eelbeck(bk12,pg358),Wm. Turner(bk13,pg10),Nichls.Long(bk13,pg35),Chas.Hamlin(bk13,pg227),John Bradford(bk13,pg328), Oroondales Davis(bk13,pg382),John Hamilton&Co(Bk13,pg474).-Microfilm by NC Dept of Archives & History, Div. of Arch.&Manuscripts,Raleigh, NC, Index to Deeds,Vol A-C, Grantor, 1732-1905,Filmed 2/25/63
Journal of the Council of the State of Virginia: Pg 464: A Warrant to James Ball & JN. Goode for L30.18.1. 1/2 for prov. & Waggon hire to Capt Flemings Co of 7th Reg. also 18/. for D.to Captain Faulcnors Comp: of the 5th Reg. also for use Wm. Branch for 18/9 for Waggon hire to Captain Flemings Comp.
Dr. Stephen E. Bradley, The Deeds of Halifax Co, NC 1758-1771(S.Boston,VA); Compiler, 1989, No. 1006 (DB7,p226): 22 June 1762, William & 6 others posted a bond to Thomas Hall. This was probably in connection with his becoming Deputy Sheriff. (D.D.Hughes notes)
e-mail, 28 May 1999, BRANCH-L@rootsweb.com, from VCRW@aol.com: Wm. was a "High Sheriff" in Halifax Co, NC
BIO: 1719 William Branch Sr. born in possibly Bristol Parish(not sure where this is) ? to possibly John & Martha Louise (Henry) Branch. 1740 Brother, John born this year. There are 21 years between their births. 13 Oct 1754 William received a Granville Grant from the Right Honorable John Earl Granville Viscount for 640 acres in Edgecombe Co. (from which Halifax Co, was created that same year). 30 Oct 1754 William of Edgecombe Parish, was shown as a planter on the Granville Grant for 640 acres that joined Jos, Jno Alston and Thomas Kearney. Witnessed by John and Sherwood Haywood. It shows 3 shillings of proclamation money was paid in Edgecombe and that the land began at a red oak, etc. 640 acres yearly rent in sum 25 shillings, 7 pence, 1/2 penny which is at a rate of 3 shillings sterling or 4 shillings proclamation money for every 100 acres. Did William buy this land or rent it from Granville? 25 Nov 1754 William didn't keep all of this land for very long. He sold 1/3 of it (213 acres)to Jacob Stickland for three pounds of current money of the Colony of Virginia. All the houses, orchards, gardens, woods and water rights were included in this sale that were on this property. Did William rebuild on his other property? 1 May 1755 The land that Jacob Strickland bought on 25 Nov 1754, was registered in Edgecombe County May Court. Aug 1756 The Granville Grant was registered in the Edgecombe Parish Court to William. This deed of sale was proven by oath by Jno. Haywood, Esquire. William later sold some of this to his brother, John. 6 Aug 1756 William Branch was shown as executor of will for Roger Taylor in Halifax Co, NC. 4 Apr 1759 John and Ann A. Branch of Halifax Co (prob.William's brother) gave Nathan. Barrett of Halifax Co. 25 pounds of Va money for 157 acres which was part of a Granville Grant to William Branch on 13 Oct 1754. It was located on the north side of Beaver Dam Swamp joining Joseph, Jno Alston, Thomas Cain. William Branch witnessed it. 13 Sept 1759 William Branch witnessed the sale of 100 acres which had been purchased from John Branch Sr and Jr. on N. side of Beech Swamp, joining A. Hill's 91 acres and Gooding, Pope for 94 pounds, 9 shillings to Henry Pope. 8 Mar 1760 William witnessed deed of John and Ann Branch of 56 acres which had been part of the Granville Grant to Wm. Branch on 13 Oct 1754, on Beaverdam Swamp. The sale was to Isasc Strickland for 10 pounds, 6 shillings. 22 June 1762 William Sr. and 6 other men posted a bond to Thomas Hall. This was probably in connection with William becoming Deputy Sheriff of Halifax Co. 1762 William Sr. was Deputy Sheriff of Halifax Co. in 1762 and later. July 1763 William Sr. and William Hargroves are shown as executors that gave bond with George Bristow for will of Roger Taylor in July Court of Halifax Co, NC. 16 Mar 1764 Friends William Branch and Benjamin H. were shown as Executors for John Grice. Oct 1764 John Grice's will was presented in the Oct Court of Halifax Co, NC with William and Benjamin H. as executors. 1766 William Sr. is still shown as Deputy Sheriff of Halifax Co. 1775 William Sr. gave his "beloved son", John Branch, 200 acres and a water grist mill which had been purchased previously by William from William Short and was adjacent to Conocanary Swamp and Joseph Lane. March 1776 A warrant was issued for the use of Wm. Branch's Waggon hire to Captain Flemings Company - 18/9(not sure what this number means). 1770's-1780's? William Branch was a Justice of the Peace all during the Revolutionary War and was an important man. Halifax was then the head of navigation on the Roanoke River and was an important place to live in, as well. It was the recruiting center for the Continental soldiers. He was also shown as a "High Sheriff in Halifax Co, NC. 23 Dec 1778 William and John Branch were two of the 11 Justices of the Peace appointed by the State Congress in Halifax Co, NC. In this capacity, they were among the officials responsible for the first actions of NC as one of the newly created United States instead of an English Colony. Some of the laws that he was to execute concerned Orphans, Guardians and Highways. 1781 English calvary under Colonel Banastre Tarleton preceded Cornwallis on his way North from SC to Yorktown. He defeated the few militia left in Halifax after a smallpox epidemic made the Continental Soldiers leave the town. When Cornwallis arrived there, he hanged 2 of his men who had committed outrages against some Halifax citizens. 10 Aug 1784 Wm. Branch, Sr. (along with his son, Wm. Branch) witnessed a deed from Brittain Gulledge to Henry Overstreet (he was married to Wm.'s daughter, Jane) which joined Joel Dilliard's property. Maybe Joel received this property from his father-in-law who also gave some land to his daughter, Jane and her husband, Henry Overstreet. 12 Feb 1785 There was a sale of land bordering William Flewellen (married to Wm's daughter, Ann) and William's property along with Hills Branch, Law and Benjamin Langsdale. The sale was from B. Langsdale to Wm. Flewellen in Halifax Co. William's son-in-law, Joel Dilliard witnessed the deed. 21 Nov 1786 William Sr. gave his son, William Jr. 500 acres "for love and affection" in Halifax Co, NC. Therefore, William Jr. was not mentioned in his father's will as being given property because his father had already given him this land before he died in 1793/94. 27 Dec 1786 William Sr., William Paradice and William Hill (he was married to William Branch's daughter, Sarah) are appointed executors for George Wallice. Feb 1787 George Wallice's will was presented in Court of Halifax Co, NC with William Sr, William Paradice and William Hill as executors. 1790 Halifax County tax was paid on himself as 1 white poll and 16 slaves, which was the same number mentioned in his will 3 years later. This inform- ation was taken from the 1790 census. 2 Dec 1791 William Sr. served as a Justice of the Peace until this date. He petitioned the House of Representatives to relieve him of the duties of the Justice of the Peace, saying that he was 72 years of age, had served his country for 40 years and desired that someone else be appointed. 2 Jan 1793 William Sr. bought ? acres which were part of the land Thomas Scurlock, dec'd had owned and Egbert Haywood was executor. This was the land that he sold to William Jr. in July, 1793. 20 July 1793 William Sr. sold William Jr. 396 acres for 460 pounds. Sr. had purchased this land from James Scurlock (and had belonged to Thomas Scurlock, dec'd). It was on both sides of the road from the town of Halifax to Enfield and joined Carter, Bansworth, Moses, Matthews. The deed was witnessed by James Tatume and Nicholas Branch and noted by county clerk, L.(Lunsford) Long. 16 Sept 1793 William Jr. sold some of the land that he had purchased from William, Sr. to George Scurlock (possibly the husband to William Jr's sister, Mary). It was 100 acres for 164 pounds. This sale was recorded in the Halifax Co. November Court, 1793. It was witnessed by William Hill (William Jr.'s other sister's, Sarah, husband) and John Knight. bef 24 Oct 1793 William Branch's will was submitted this day to the Halifax Co, NC Court. He lent his wife, Elizabeth, as long as she didn't remarry, the use of his Plantation containing 100 acres, the negroes, etc. Upon her death or remarriage, his oldest son, Nicholas was to be given the Plantation, the residue of negroes and the rest of his land which contained 800 acres. His other son, John and daughters, Elizabeth Marshall, Mary Scurlock and Sarah Hill were left negroes. His daughter, Ann Fleuellin, was left 15 shillings, etc. and his other daughter, Jane Overstreet, was left Chintz fabric for a gown, etc. Finally his daughter, Martha Dillard was left 15 pounds, etc. The witnesses to his will were James Matthews, William Pullen. The Executor was friend (and his brother) John Branch. Feb, 1794 William's will recorded in Feb. Court in Halifax Co, NC. There is a picture of John Branch, son of William Branch's brother, John, hanging in the Visitor Center there today. He was governor of NC. 13 March 1795 John Branch (the elder of Halifax Co which I assume is William Sr's brother) was guardian to John Branch, the younger minor son of William Branch, dec'd (is this Sr?) sold to William Gilmour th
Father: John Richard Branch , Jr. b: ca. 1700 in Bertie County, North Carolina Formed 1722 From Chowan County Mother: Martha Louise Henry b: ca. 1700
Marriage 1 Elizabeth ? Children Nicholas Branch John Branch Ann Branch Elizabeth Branch Jane Branch Martha Branch Mary Branch Sarah Branch William Branch , Jr.
Seems that their is a split on ancestry as to the parents of William Branch. Some people have Issachar and Sarah Branch as the parents and others like myself have John and Mary Goode as the parents. I would like to add DNA evidence that possibly supports that John and Mary are the parents. The Branch DNA project has a DNA match on a decesendent of William Branch and one from Gov. John Branch's lineage. Gov. John Branch is the son of Col. John Branch who had a brother named William.The line from Gov. Branch is well documented due to this lines power and lists the parents as John Branch and Mary Goode. Now we can't be certain that the split happened at John and Mary, we only know that the two participants share a common ancestor. So I am not saying that this proves that Williams parents were John and Mary. Obviously Issachar could be a a distant realtive to the same line. However, I find it strange that Issachar is a Hebrew based name and doesn't seem to fit the naming conventions of the William line.
Spouses
Birth Dateabt 1725
Birth PlaceHalifax County, North Carolina
Death Date13 Mar 1795 Age: 70
Death PlaceEdgecombe County, North Carolina
FatherHURST, John Jr. (1697-1775)
MotherFINCKS, Mary (1698-1745)
Marr Dateabt 1745
Marr PlaceEdgecombe County, North Carolina