1794 Onslow, North Carolina will for Joseph Skipper.

I was searching on ancestry tonight and found the will for Joseph Skipper, my sixth times great-grandfather, I have not found many documents pertaining to him. As I worked on reading this will, which for the most part was easy, I found it interesting the things he left to his wife, two daughters, and one son.

I know very little about Joseph Skipper and his life. What I do know is that he was born around 1721 in North Carolina and died sometime after he wrote his will in 1794 . I have seen it reported that he lived until 1797 but I do not have documentation to prove that. He married Gemine and they had three children Nathan, Pricilla and Milley.

I have some information on Nathan but have not searched for Pricilla or Milley. This is on my list to work on. Nathan, my fifth times great-grandfather, had a son also named Nathan, and he moved from North Carolina to Effingham, Illinois. This is where I started to learn more about my Skipper Family.

I have not been able to prove who the parents of Joseph are. I know in family search they have a James Skipper listed as his father, but I do not see any  documents to prove this.

“In the name of God, amen I Joseph Skipper of Onslow County and State of North Carolina, fourteen day of April one thousand seven hundred and ninety-four being weak in body but sound of mind and disposing memory. In the name of God, amen I Joseph Skipper of Onslow County and State of North Carolina, fourteen day of April one thousand seven hundred and ninety-four being weak in body but sound of mind and disposing memory. I lende to my loving wife Gemine a cow and a calf as long as they stay on the plantation, two shetes, one rug, one bedtick, two wheels and one loom. To my daughter Pricilla Ingram five shillings in money, to my son Nathan, one blanket, one bason, one dish and one muge. To my daughter Milley Singleton five shilllings. To my son Nathan as follows all my working tools but one as I leave to my wife while she stays at the place one stid, one chest, and all my land that I possess at my death to him and his heirs forever, two pots and one home. I also give to my loving wife three hogs, two years old, one sow and pigs the three hogs to be made fat out of the crop. I also give all my stocks of cattle to my son Nathan Skipper and all my stocks of hogs to my son Nathan Skipper. I also Nathan Skipper my executor of my last will and testament”

The above is a portion of the will I typed up of what Joespehl eft to his wife and children. I am always amazed when I see these old wills. I feel like I have seen into a small part of the life of my ancestor and his family by reading about those things he treasured most in his life. I also feel like I jump back into history and learn about the past. One of my favorite things that I have found in this document is Joseph’s signature. How amazing is it that I can see how he signed his name in 1794?