1855 - Mary Braswell's Will

State of North Carolina Nash County. In the name of God Amen. I Mary Braswell of the County and State aforesaid being of sound mind and disposing memory and considering the uncertainty of this my earthly existeance do make this my last will and testament in manner and form following to wit Item 1st, My will and desire is at my death all of my just debts be paid. Item 2. I give to my nephew William Braswell one bed and furniture, 1 beureau, I also give to Nicholas Braswell one bed furniture and one chest, I also give to Sally Ann Braswell one bed furniture and chest. Item 3 Lastly I give and bequeath to my said two nephews Nicholas and William Braswell and niece Sally Ann Braswell children of Jesse Braswell Sr the residue of my property of every discription both real and personal to be divided equally share and share alike with this request that they jointly furnish or cause to be furnished to my niece Eliza Braswell good and comfortable clothing during her life in the event that either of my nephews or niece should die without issue then this property to go to the survivors then or their lawful representatives. In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal this 7th day of March A.D. 1855. 
signed sealed and acknowledged in the presents of 
G.W. Wright}  Mary her X mark Braswell {Seal}
Willie Bunting}
T.B. Bunting}
State of North Carolina, Nash County.


I Mary Braswell of the county and State aforesaid being of sound mind but feeble in health do hereby add this codicil to be part of the within will made by me the 7th day of March 1855 as at that time there had not been a division of the negroes as to enable me to dispose of them by name as I now desire and wish I give and bequeath to William Braswell negro girl Clary I give and Bequeath to Nicholas Braswell Boy Peter I give and bequeath to Salley Ann Walker woman Abby and her child Amy to them and their heirs for ever as stated in the within will in testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal this 3 day of May 1856 eighteen hundred and fifty six. 
in the presence of}  Mary her X mark Braswell {Seal}
T.W. Wright}
T.B. Bunting}


The within paper writing purporting to be the last will and testament of Mary Braswell and codicil attached thereto are offered for probate the former on the testimony of Thomas W Wright, Willie Bunting and T. B. Bunting and the latter on the testimony of the said Thomas W. Wright, and T B. Bunting and are duly proven and admitted to probate and are ordered to be recorded. And there being no executor named in said will and codicil Administrator with the will and codicil annexed is commited to Worrell P Walker who enters into bond of six thousand dollars with Thomas W. Wright and L.N.B. Battle sureties.
and is recorded, Attest W.T. Arrington C.C.C.
Attest W.T. Arrington, C.C.C.


(Nash Co., NC Probate Records 1735-1970 Wills 1776-1872 Vol. 01 Pg 551)  

NOTE: Mary is the daughter of Cooper Williams.

1789 - Joshua Pierce's Will

In The Name of God, Amen, The 6th day of May 1789 I, Joshua Pierce of the County of Nash and State of North Carolina being sick and weak in Body of a perfect mind and memory thanks be given unto God for his mercy and calling to mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to dye. Do make and ordain this my last will and testament as follows, principally and first of all I recomend my soul into the hands of God that gave it and as to my body I recomend to the earth to be buried in a christian like and decent manner and as touching such worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to Bless me with I give, devise and dispose of the same in manner and form following. Item: I give and bequeath to Celia Braswell one cow and calf. Item: I give to Dinah Braswell one cow and calf. Item: I give to Peggy Buntin one cow and calf, also one feather bed and furniture, also one chest. Item: I give to my well beloved son Joshua Pierce one feather bed and furniture also one chest. Item: I lend the use of all the rest and remainder of my estate together with my land and all my household stuff, and moveables also my horses hogs and cattle to my dearly beloved wife Elizabeth Pierce during her natural life or widowhood. Item: I give to Jeremiah Buntin two cows and calves after the death of my wife. Item: After the death of my wife I give to my son Joshua Pierce all my land, cattle, horses and hogs and all my household stuff and moveables that I Lend tyhe use of to my dearly beloved wife during her natural life. Item: That I appoint and ordain William Buntin to be my hole and sole executor to this my last will, testament and I do hereby utterly disallow revoke and disanull all and every other former testaments wills and legacies before this time named, 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, the day and year above written. 
Signed, sealed and delivered,   Joshua his X mark Pierce {Seal}
Thos Carter
Thomas Deans
John his X mark Sellers


Nash county  August court 1789
The within will was in open court duly proven by the oath of Thomas carter a subscribing witness thereto and on motion ordered to be recorded.  Attest. Wm Hall, C.C.
and is registered in obedience to the above order.  Attest: Wm Hall, C.C.


(Nash Co., NC DB ? Pg 53-54)


NOTE: Jacob Braswell Sr's daughter, Cloah, married a John Sellers.

* Jesse Braswell, Nash Co., NC 1859

In the name of God Amen. I Jesse Braswell of the County of Nash and State of North Carolina, being of sound and perfect mind and memory blessed be God do this the 14 day of April in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred fifty nine, make and publish this my last will and testament in the manner as follows, that is to say: First: I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Mary Ann Braswell after all my just debts are paid all of my estate including money, bonds, lands, and property of every discription during her natural life, to be kept together as heretofore as near possible. 2nd. After my wifes Mary Ann Braswell's death it is my will that out of the estate one hundred and eighty dollars be paid to my grandson William Braswell he being a son of my son Nicholas Braswell. 3rd. I also will that one hundred and eighty dollars be paid out of the said estate to my granddaughter Mary Ann Braswelldaughter of my son Nicholas Braswell nevertheless provided that my grandson William Braswelland my granddaughter Mary Ann Braswell make and convey to my estate the right title and interest they have in six acres of land that belongs to their fathers estate, the said six acres a part of the tract of land whereon I now live, now in the event that this interest is not conveyed to my estate it is then my will that they my grandson William and granddaughter Mary Ann Braswell shall have no part of my estate. 4th. I also will and bequeath to my granddaughter Addie Braswell a daughter of my sonJohn Braswell at the death of my beloved wife Mary Ann Braswell one hundred dollars provided the said Addie Braswell be then living.  5th. After which it is my will that the balance of my estate be equally divided between my sons Edward, Madison, and Jefferson and My two daughters Lucy andLouisiana Braswell, reserving - four hundred dollars for the support of my daughter Eliza Braswellwhich sum is to be placed in the hands of my son William for the above purpose and at her death if any part of the above sum of four hundred dollars shall be unapplied that the remaining shall be equally divided between my five youngest children to wit Edward, Madison, Jefferson, Lucy and Louisiana N B. Now in the first ---- I gave to my beloved wife Mary Ann Braswell all of my estate during her natural life be it understood it is upon the condition that she never marries, but in the event that she marries again it is my will that she draws a childs part and the balance of my estate be then equally divided between my five youngest children to wit Lucy, Edward, Louisiana Jefferson andMadison now now in this ---- of this my last will and testament. I make and ordain my beloved wifeMary Ann Braswell executrix to the same. In witness whereof I the said Jesse Braswell have to this my last will and testament set my hand and seal the day and year above written.

signed, sealed published and declared Jesse his X mark Braswell  (Seal)

by the said Jesse Braswell the testator as his last will and testament in the presence of us who were presence at the time of signing and sealing thereof the above instrument. test. A Wester, Thomas Davis, Benja L Arrington.

State of North Carolina. court of pleas and quarter session

Nash County   Feby term 1865

A paper writing purporting to be the last will and testament of Jesse Braswell is offered for probation on the testimony of B.L Arrington one of the subscribing witnesses thereto who duly proves the same and also A Wester and Thomas Davis the other subscribing witnesses that he saw them subscribe their names in the presence of the testator to the said will as witnesses.  It is ordered by the court that the said will be admitted to probate as the last will and testament of the said Jesse Braswell and is ordered to be recorded whereupon Mary Ann Braswell the executrix named comes into court and duly qualifies as such. Attest B.H.Sorsby C.C.C. and is recorded in obedience thereto Attest B.H. Sorsby, C.C.C. 

April 14, 1859 - February Court 1865

(Nash Co., NC WB I 1878-1868 Pg. 592)


Updated from abstract to full will on May 23, 2012

1784 - Absalom Knott's Will

In the name of god amen I Absolom Knott of the County of Bertie & state of North Carolina being very sick and weak in body but of perfect mind and memory calling to mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to dy do make and ordain this my last will - Testament in the following maner and form princepally and first of all Recommend my Soul into the hands of almighty God who gave it and my body I recommend to the earth to be buried in a christian like manner at the discretion of my Executors hereafter named. Nothing doubting but but (sic) that I shall see (?) the same again at the General resurection by the mighty power of god and Touching such worldly Estate herewith it hat pleased god to bless me in this life I give and dispose of the same in ------ loving manner after payment of all my just debts Item I give and bequeath unto my well beloved wife Elizabeth Knott one negroe boy by the name of Ca---- one Grey mare and two Colts one black horse and one bay horse and six head of cattle with all other my household furniture goods and Chattles unto me belonging of every kind whatsoever by her to be possesed during her natural Life and after deceased to descend to my beloved Daughter Clarissa Knott her heirs & assigns forever and in case of the death of my sd daughter Clarissa Knott without heirs it is my will and desire that al my above named property be equally divided between Luke Smithwick and Lanier Smithwick them and their heirs forever Item I constitute appoint and ordain James Knott and and my Wife John SmithwickElizabeth Knott Executors of this my Last will and testament and I do hereby utterly revoke & disanull all former wills Testaments & by me made declaring this and none other to be my Last will & Testament in Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 10th day of April in the year of our Lord 1784 and in the Eighth year of American independence Absalom Knott {seal}
Test James Knott
Willm his X mark Brassell

Bertie County August Term 1784

The Last will & Testament of Absalom Knott dec'd was prooved in open Court in due form of Law by the Oath of James Knott one of the subscribing Witnesses and ordered to be recorded
Shoens (?) Gray C-C

(Bertie Co., NC WB C Pg 81-82)

1845 - Irvin Braswell's Will

I Irvin Braswell of the County of Anson and State of North Carolina being of sound mind and memory But considering the uncertainty of my earthly existance do make and declare this my last will and testament in manner and form as followers viz, 1st That my executor hereinafter named shall provide for my body a decent burial and pay all furneral expences together with my just debts howsoever and to whomsoever owing out of the moneys that may first come into his hands as a part or parcel of my estate Item 2nd I give unto my beloved wife Elizabeth Braswell the tract of land whereon I now Reside containing one hundred acres more or less also one tract of fifty acres adjoining the home tract which is an entry made by me as by reference to the courses will more fully appear to include my mansion house all out houses and other improvements to have and to hold to her the said Elizabeth Braswell for and during her widowhood or natural life time, in satisfaction for and in time of her dower and third of and in all my real estate. Item 3rd I give unto my sons Benjn R. Braswell Thomas M. Braswell and James W. Braswell the tract of land that I bought of the Executors of John Beards estate adjoining Jo B. Ingram & Ell Sibley containing one hundred and sixty nine and 3/4 acres more or less to be equally divided between them at my decease provided they pay to my executor fifty dollars each or one seventh of all my debts each. Item 4th I give unto George J. Braswell, William Braswell John W. Braswell and Elizabeth Lee wife of William Lee senr one tract of land containing forty acres more or less adjoining Richard Vinson & my home tract also one tract of land I bought of Bryant Braswell containing 75 3/4 acres more or less adjoining John Winfield & others also one tract of land containing fifty acres more or less adjoining John Winfield & others which is an Entry made by me - It is understood that each of the heirs named in Item four is to pay fifty dollars each or one seventh each of all my debts to my Executors before they are to have a title to the said Land - It is my wish that the heirs named in Item three & four have two years to pay their part of my debts. Item 5th I also give unto my wife Elizabeth Braswell three cows and calves her choice all of my beds furniture one sorrel horse about five years of age also one sorrel mare about four years old both now in my possession also all of my household kitchen furniture - twelve head of hogs her choice, six head of sheep her choice, all the domestic fowls & Poultry - six choice stands of bees - all of my farming tools - one half of all the corn I make this year after William Lee gets his part for this years services six choice stocks & fodder - one black sow & seven pigs - Item 6th I give unto my children by my last wife Christopher C Ann Mary, Laura Clematine, Irvin McDaniel, Robert Alexander and Barnabus B. Braswell all of the lands and other property willed to my wife in Item Second and fifth after her death or during her widow-hood Item 7th I give unto my wife one hundred weight of picked cotton. Item 8th Provided that the heirs named in Item 3rd & 4th should fail to pay their proportionable part of all my debts within two years from my decease I leave it in the power of my Executor to sell said land willed to them and appropriate the proceds to the payment of said debts - 9th I give unto my sons Benjn. Mabry and Wirick Braswell my cart and yoke of oxen - Item 10th I desire my executor to sell all of my crop stock and other property not named in my will and appropiate the proceeds to the payment of my debts - Lastly - I do hereby constitute and appoint my Trusty friend John Winfield my lawful executor to all intents and purposes to execute this my last will and testament according to the true intent and meaning of the same and every part & claim thereof - In witness whereof I the said Irvin Braswell do hereunto set my hand and seal this 15th day of September A. D. 1845.
Signed Sealed published and declared by the said Irvin Braswell to be his last will and testament in the presence of us only (?) at his request and in presence do subscribe our names as witnesses thereto Erven Braswell {seal}
D. C. Lilly
Edw. -. B. Winfield
State of North Carolina}
Anson County} October Term 1845
then the above will was exhibited in open Court and duly proven by the oath of Daniel C. Lilly one of the subscribing witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded whereupon John Winfield the executor therein named appeared in open Court and qualified as executor and obtained letters Testamentory. N.D Boggan clk

(Anson Co., NC WB B Pg 200-202)

1780 - North Carolina to Valentine Braswell

State of North Carolina No 26?
To all to whome these presents shall come greeting Know Ye That We for and in Consideration of the Sum of fifity Shillings for every hundred Acres hereby Granted paid into Our Treasury by Volentine Brassell Senr. have given and Granted and by these presents do give and Grant unto the Said Volentine Brassell Senr. a Tract of land Containing one hundred and two Acres lying and being in Our County of Chatham on the South Side of Cape Fear Beginning in Henry Brassell's at a red Oak running south Eighty Seven poles to A Black oak thence East one hundred and sixty poles to a red Oak thence North one hundred and forty poles to a post Oak thence West forty four poles to a stake in Henry Brassells line thence south along his line fifty four poles to a Black Oak at his Corner thence West Along his other line one hundred and sixteen poles to the first station as by the plat hereunto Annexed -orth Appear together with all Woods Waters Mines Minerals Hereditaments and Appurtenances to the Said Land belonging or appertaining To hold to the Said Volentine Brassell Senr. his Heirs and assigns forever. -------- and paying to us Such Sums of Money yearly or otherwise as Our General Assembly from Time to Time may Direct Provided Always That the Said Volintine Brassell Snr. Shall Cause this Grant to be Registered in the Register office of Our said County of Chatham within Twelve Months from the date hereof otherwise the same same (sic) shall be Void and of no Effect In Testimony whereof We have Caused Our great Seal to be hereunto affixed Witness Richard Casswell Esquire Our Governor Captain General and Commander in chief at Kingston the Thirty first day of March in the fourth year of Our Independence and in the year of Our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty
By His Excellency's Command
Wm Sheppard D Sec (?) RD (?) {great seal} Casswell

(Chatham Co., NC DB B Pg 538)

NOTE: Valentine (V) Braswell sold this to Henry Braswell from Wilkes Co., GA in 1783. They are presumed to be brothers as no records survive to prove the relationship.

1783 - Valentine & Henry Braswell

To all persons to whome these presents shall come greeting Know Ye that I Valentine Braswell of the County of Wilks and province of Georgy and in the Consideration of the Sum of ten pounds Space to me in hand paid before the Insealing well and truly paid by Henry Braswell of the County of Chatham and province of North Carolina the receipt I do Acknowledge and myself herewith fully satisf.d and contented hereof and every part and parcel thereof I do Exonerate --just and Discharge the said Henry Braswell his heirs Executors administrators forever by these presents have given granted bargained Sold and conveyd and Confirmed and by these presents unto the said Henry Braswell his heirs and assigns forever one Certain tract or parsel of Land lying and being in the county of chatham and province of North Carolina Containing by Estimation one hundred two Acres of Land be the Same more or less Buted and bounded lying on the South Side of Cape fair River Beginning in Sd. Henry Braswell own line at a red oak running south eighty seven poles to a Black oak thence East one hundred and sixty poles to a Red Oak thence North one hundred and forty poles to a post Oak thence West at forty four poles to a Stake in the sd. Henry Braswell line thence south along his line fifty four poles to a Black Oak at the Corner thence west along his other line one hundred and sixty poles to the first station To have and to hold the said Land with all the appurtancees priviledges and Commodities to the belongin or in Anywise appertaining to ---- the sd. Henry Braswell his heirs and assigns forever to his and their proper use benefit and behalf forever and I the sd. Valentine Baswell (sic) his heirs assigns that before the ensealing hereof I am the Sole and Lawfull Owner of the above bargained premises and Lawfully ------ posesed of the same in my own proper Right as A good perfect and absolute Estate Inheritance in ------ I have in myself good right full power and lawfu athority to grant Bargain Sell convey and confirm the said bargaind premises in manner above sd. and that the sd. Henry Braswell his heirs and assigns shall and may from Time to Time and all Times forever hereafter by and ------ of ---------into lawfully and peasable and Quietly have hold ---Occupy posses and enjoy the sd. Demised Bargained premises with the Appertainces free and Clear and Clearly Acquited Exonerated and discharged of all incumbrances of forms or other gifts grants Bargains Sails leases morgages Will intails ------Dowreys In-gmints Executions incumbrances and ------- further more I the Sd. Valentine Braswell for myself my heirs and Executors and Administrators do Covenant and ingage the Above Demised premises to him the Sd. Henry Baswell (sic) his heirs and assigns against the Lawfull Claims or Demands of Any persons whatsoever hereafter to Warrant Secure and Defend In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and fixed my Seal this present Day of May the 18th A.D 1783
Signed Seald in the}
presents of us} Valentine his V mark Baswell (sic) {Seal}
John Womack}
Perion his + mark Pharow
Chatham County February Term 1784
the above Deed was duly proved in Open Court
by the oath of John Womack and Ordered to be Registered
Test Ramsey ------

(Chatham Co., NC DB C Pg 143-144)

Difficult to Read

1774 - Valentine Braswell

This Indenture made this Eleventh day of May in the year of our Lord one Thousand seven Hundred & Seventy four Between James Brantley & Hester his Wife & Valentine Braswell all of the County of Chatham & Province of North Carolina Witnesseth that the said James Brantley for & in consideration of the sum of Forty five pounds proc money to him in hand paid at or before the Ensealing & Delivery of these presents by the said Valentine Braswell the Receipt whereof he doth hereby acknowledge & thereof he dother by these presents Acquite & Exonerate the said James Brantley his Executors adms & assigns hath given granted & Bargained & aliend sold enfeoffed and Confirmed unto the said Valentine Braswell his Heirs & Assigns forever a Certain tract of Land Containing by Estimation fifty Acres be the same more or less situate Lying & being in Precinct of Chatham County on North side Deep River about Six miles above the fork of sd River Beginning at a Hicory on the River No. 45 East 27/4 (?) Chains to a pine thence No. 45 West 45 Chains on the uper Creek thence down the various course of the Creek to the River thence down the River to the first station together with all Woods Waters mines & minerals Hereditimt & appurtaining in as full and ample a manner as the same was Granted unto said James Brantley to have and to hold the said fifty acres of Land & all Singular the other Premises Hereby Granted Bargained and sold to said Valintine Braswell his Heirs & assigns Forever the said James Brantley for himself his Heirs and assigns the said tract Land & all other of the Premises Hereby before Granted Bargained & Sold with appurtinances & that free & Clear of all Incumbrances Whatsoever unto the said Vall-Braswell & his Heirs & assigns forever against him the said James Brantley & Hester his wife & against all other persons Whatsoever & shall well & truely Warrant & Defend by these presents In witness whereof the said James Brantley and Hester his Wife hath to these Presents sett their Hands & Seals the day and year above Written
Signed Sealed & Delivered} James Brantley {Seal}
in presence of us}
Mial Scurlock}
William Dillard {Seal}

(Chatham Co., NC DB A Pg 214-215)

1778 - Valentine Jr & Henry Braswell

This Indenture Made on this Twenty third Day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy Eight Between Hector McNeal of the County of Bladen and State of North Carolina of the one part and Valentine Braswell Junior of the county of Chatham and State Aforesaid of the other part Witnesseth That the Said Hector McNeal for and in consideration of the Sum of Two Hundred pounds proc money to him in hand paid by the said Valentine Braswell the Receipt whereof the Said Hector McNeal doth hereby Acknowledge he the said Hector McNeal hath Granted Bargained and Sold alien and Confirm unto the Said Valentine Braswell Jun'r A Tract or parcel of Land lying and being in the County of Chatham and State aforesaid Containing Six Hundred and forty acres on the East Side of the North East Branch of the North West River Beginning at a gum at the Mouth of Duck Creek in the upper corner of the Land formerly McLaughlins (now Bohannons) at the Fork of Said River and Runs East 72 Chains to a Pine then No. 80 Chains to a pine then West 88 Chains to a Stake nigh a Mark'd White oak then Along the said Branch to the first Station Including the Houses and plantation Land and other Improvments and also all profits Commodities advantages Herditiments ways Waters and Appurtenances whatsoever to the aforesaid Tract or parcel of Land and plantation Belonging or in any wise appertaining and Also the Reversion and Reversions Remainder and Remainders Rents and Services of the Said premises of every part thereof To have and to hold to the only proper use and behoof of him the said Valentine Braswell Junior his Heirs and assigns forever and the Said Hector McNeal for him and his Heirs the said Tract or parcel of Land and all manner of Improvments and every part thereof Against him and his Heirs and Against all and every person whatsoever to the Said Valantine Braswell Shall & will warrant and forever Defend In Witness wherof the Said Hector Mc Neal hath hereunto Set his hand and affixed his Seal the day and year first above Written
Signed Sealed and Delivered}
In presence of ~ Hector his + mark McNeal {Seal}
Henry Braswell
Arch.d McEachran

Chatham August Court 1778 proved by Henry Braswell
and ordered to be Registd. Mial Scurlock Clk Ct

(Chatham Co., NC DB B Pg 181)

1836 - Joseph J Bracewell & Daughter, Amanda

ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA, PASSED IN MILLEDGEVILLE AT AN ANNUAL SESSION IN NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER, 1836.
ACTS of the General Assembly of the STATE OF GEORGIA, PASSED IN NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER, 1836.
NAMES CHANGED.

1836 Vol. 1 -- Page: 167

Sequential Number: 095
Type: AN ACT,

Full Title: To change the name of Amanda White, to that of Amanda Bracewell, and legitimatize the same, and to change the name of John D. Highsmith.

Sec. 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representives of the State of Georgia, in General Assembly met, and it is hereby enacted by the authority of the same, That from and atter the passage of this act, the name of Amanda

Page: 168
White, shall be changed to that of Amanda Bracewell, and she is hereby declared to be fully and completely legitimatized, and entitled to all the rights and legal privileges that she would have been, had she been born in lawful wedlock, and be fully capable of taking, inheriting and receiving, all manner of property, by virtue of the statste of distributions of this State, so far as relates to the real and personal estate of Joseph J. Bracewell, of Pulaski county, her reputed father, any law, usage, or custom, to the contrary notwithstanding.

JOSEPH DAY,

Speaker of the House of Representatives.

ROBERT M. ECHOLS,

President of the Senate.

WILLIAM SCHLEY, Governor.

Approval Date: Assented to, Dec. 30, 1836.

Pulaski County Georgia Bracewells

James Bracewell, (son of Solomon Bracewell & Rachel Byrd) and his wife Elizabeth Clinch had five sons, Burwell W., James M, Joseph J, Duncan L. C. & Thomas J.

The following records show that Burwell W., James M. & Joseph J were heirs of their youngest brother, Thomas J, which proves that he had no wife or children. Their 2nd youngest brother, Duncan had died in 1832 at the age of 22. Burwell W. & Permelia Matilda's children were Sarah Ann Bracewell & James Polhill Bracewell, who moved to Hamilton Co., Florida with their mother before 1850 after Burwell died. James M's apparent only child was Mary Martha Bracewell, whose mother was a Boswick. James M. married 2nd Mrs. Sarah Jane Bright and they can be found in Key West, Florida in 1850 with her apparent son John H. Bright, and his nephew Thomas C. Bracewell. Joseph J. married Dorothy White, and their children were Amanda M, Josephus, Elizabeth, Martha Jane & Thomas Clinch. This is all based on records and the process of elimination.

Federal Union, Mar. 21, 1837

GEORGIA, Pulaski County.
WHEREAS, Burwell W. Bracewell applies for letters of administration on the estate of Joseph J. Bracewell, late of said county, deceased. These are, therefore, to cite and admonish all and singular the kindred and creditors of said deceased to be and appear at my office, within the time prescribed by law, to show cause, if any exist, why said letters should not be granted. Given under my hand at office this 25th January, 1837. J. V. MITCHELL, D.C.C.?.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Federal Union, Mar. 29, 1842

Pulaski Sheriff's Sale.

WILL be sold on the first Tuesday in May next, before the Court House door in the town of Hawkinsville, Pulaski county, within the legal hours of sale, the following property, to wit:

Also, 1000 acres of land more or less known as the place where Joseph J. Bracewell formerly lived, in the fourth district of originally Dooly now Pulaski county - levied on as the property of the estate of Joseph J. Bracewell to satisfy sundry fi fas from Pulaski Superior Court, in favor of Bryan W. Collier and others vs. Burwell W. Bracewell, Administrator. JOSEPH CARRUTHERS, D. Sh'ff. March 28, 1842

~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Federal Union, Jul. 5, 1842

Pulaski Sheriff's Sale
WILL be sold on the first Tuesday in August next, before the Court House door in the town of Hawkinsville, Pulaski county, within the legal hours of sale, the following property, to wit:

A negro boy by the name of Limus, 10 months old, levied on as the property of the estate of Burwell W. Bracewell, deceased, to satisfy a fifa from Pulaski Superior Court, the Bank of Hawkinsville vs. Burwell W. Bracewell - property pointed out by John Rawls.

A negro man by the name of Jerry, 45 years old, levied on as the property of Joseph J. Bracewell, to satisfy a fi fa from Pulaski Superior court, Ker Boyce vs. Burwell W. Bracewell, administrator of Joseph J. Bracewell, deceased - property pointed out by John Rawls. JOS. CARRUTHERS, D. Sheriff. July 14, 1842.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Federal Union, Dec. 26, 1843

Pulaski Sheriff's Sale.
On the first Tuesday in February next, will be sold, before the Court House door, in the town of Hawkinsville, Pulaski county, between the legal hours of sale, the following property, to-wit: The south half of lot No. 389, and fraction No. 402, both containing 237 1/2 acres, lying and being in the 21st district of formerly Wilkinson now Pulaski county, bounded on the south by the district line; and the north half of lot No. 240, in the 20th district of said county, containing 101 1/4 acres, bounded on the north by the district line; and one-third part of 367 1/2 acres adjoining the above described lands, it being the undivided interest Burwell W. Bracewell has in the lands formerly belonging to Thomas J. Bracewell, deceased; the whole settlement of lands supposed to be 461 acres, be it more or less, or all the lands or settlement of lands, if the numbers are not correctly described that Burwell W. Bracewell owns or has any interest in said plantation, which is better known by the Bracewell settlement, laying four miles below Hawkinsville, on the east side of the Ocmulgee river in this county, and lying upon the waters of Limestone creek, and adjoining Washington Lancaster, and William Sapp and others; all levied on as the property of Burwell W. Bracewell, to satisfy a fi fa. from Pulaski Inferior Court, the Bank of Hawkinsville vs. Burwell W. Bracewell - property pointed out by John Rawls.

Joseph J. Bracewell's interest, the undivided one-third part of 367 1/2 acres of land belonging to Thomas J. Bracewell, deceased, lying in the county of Pulaski, and adjoining the settlement of land owned by Burwell W. Bracewell, and lying on Limestone creek, adjoining William Sapp and others; also a negro man named Jerry, about 50 years of age; all levied on as the property of Joseph J. Bracewell to satisfy a fi fa. from Pulaski Superior Court, Bryan W. Collier vs. Burwell W. Bracewell, administrator of Joseph J. Bracewell, deceased - property pointed out by John Rawls. JOSEPH CURRUTHERS, D. Sh'ff Dec. 20, 1843.

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Southern Recorder, Nov. 11, 1845

GEORGIA, Pulaski County.
To the Honorable the Superior Court of said county. The petition of Edward St. George respectfully showeth, that heretofore, to wit: on the sixth day of November, in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and forty-one, one James M. Bracewell executed and delivered to your petitioner, his certain mortgage deed iin writing, under his hand and seal, for the better securing the said Edward St. George in the payment of certain promissory notes therein described, bearing date on the sixth day of July, eighteen hundred and forty-one, and amounting in all to the sum of seven hundred and seventeen dollars and thirty-three cents; and whereby one Burwell W. Bracewell, and the said James M. Bracewell, and your petitioner, promised to pay Elizabeth Hamilton or bearer, the sum of money aforesaid, on or before the first day of January, ensuing the date of said notes, for value received. And for the better securing the payment of the aforesaid promissory notes, the siad James M. Bracewell bargained, sold, and conveyed, by said mortgage deed, to your petitioner, all that tract or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the twentieth district of originally Wilkinson now Pulaski county, on the waters of Limestone creek, and the Ocmulgee river, containing one hundred and thirty-three and one-third acres, more or less, it being the interest which the said James M. Bracewell had in and to the lands of Thomas J. Bracewell, late of said county, deceased; and your petitioner avers that the full amount of principal and interest of said promissory notes is due and unpaid to your petitioner - wherefore your petitioner prays that a rule nisi may be granted requiring the said James M. Bracewell to pay the principal and interest due on said notes, into the Clerk's Office of the Superior Court of this county, on or before the first day of the next term of this Court, or that his equity of redemption in and to the mortgaged premises be forever foreclosed and barred, &c AUG. H. HANSELL. Att'y for Petitioner.

EDWARD ST. GEORGE,} Petition and Rule Nisi for
vs.
JAMES M. BRACEWELL.} foreclosure of mortgage
On hearing the petition of Edward St. George, it is ordered, that the defendant do pay the amount of principal and interest due on the promissory notes therein described, into the Clerk's office of the Superior Court of this county, on or before the first day of the next term of this Court; and in default thereof, his equity of redemption to the said mortgage premises, be foreclosed and forever and forever barred; and that this rule be served upon the defendant in terms of the law. A true copy taken from the minutes of the Court, July 7th, 1845. JOHN V. MITCHELL, Clerk S.C. July 15, 1845


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Federal Union, Mar. 17, 1846

Pulaski Sheriff's Sale.
WILL be sold before the Court house door, in the town of Hawkinsville, Pulaski county, on the first Tuesday in APRIL next, within the legal hours of sale, the following property, to-wit: 133 1-4 acres of land more or less, in the 20th district of originally Wilkinson, now Pulaski county, it being the undivided interests that James M. Bracewell has in the lands of Thomas J. Bracewell, deceased, on the waters of Limestone creek and Ocmulgee river; levied on by virtue of a mortgage fi fa. returnable to the Superior Court of Pulaski county, in favor of Edward St. George vs. James M. Bracewell: property pointed out in said mortgage fi fa. C. M. BOZEMAN, Sh'ff. Jan. 28, 1846.

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Federal Union, Mar. 10, 1846
Pulaski Sheriff's Sale
WILL be sold on the first Tuesday in APRIL next, before the Court House door, in the town of Hawkinsville, Pulaski county, within the legal hours of sale, the following property to-wit:

190 acres of land, more or less, it being part of lot No. 194, in the 4th district of originally Dooly now Pulaski county, the place whereon Mrs. Permelia Bracewell, Mrs. Martha Polhill and Peter E. Love Esq., now lives; levied on as the property of Burwell W. Bracewell, to satisfy a fi fa from Pulaski Inferior court, the Bank of Hawkinsville, vs. Burwell W. Bracewell, property pointed out by Plaintiff's Attorney, levied on and returned to me by Joseph Carruthers former Sheriff. The above fi fa transferred to Chas. S. Hawley.

1833 - Richard Braswell to Robert Robinson

Georgia} This indenture made & entered into This first day of
Laurens County} February in year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty three between Richard Braswell of Laurens County of the one part and Robert Robinson of the same state and county of the other part. Witnesseth that the said Richard Braswell for and in consideration of Twenty dollars to him in hand paid at or before the Sealing or delivering of these presents the receipt where of is hereby acknowledged hath bargained sold conveyed & confirmed & by these presents do grant bargain sell an convey unto the said Robert Robinson his heirs & assigns his interest in that tract or parcel of land in Wilkinson County at the time of survey now Laurens in the second district known and distinguished in the plan of said district by number one hundred & seventeen (117) & granted to Francis Jenkins of Burke County being the dower of formerly Livy Nobles now Richard Braswell wife to have to hold all & singular the said Richard Braswell interest in the aforesaid lot or parcel of Land with all the right members & appertenances whatsoever to the said premises being belonging or in any --- appertaining to the -i-ous dower of the aforesaid tract of Land with the remainder remainders reversion & reversions rents issues & proffits thereof to the use benefit & behoof of him the said Robert Robinson his heirs & assigns forever in fee simple And the said Richard Braswell for himself his heirs & assigns the said bargained premises unto the said Robert Robinson his heirs and assigns against the said Richard Braswell & all other person or persons whatsoever shall & will forever warrant & defend by virtue of these presents in witness the said Richard Braswell has hereunto set his hand affixed his seal the day & year first above written. signed sealed and delivered in presents of
Wm B. H. Lee}
D. D. Mun--- J. P.} Recorded 1 Jan 1834} Richard Bracewell {Seal}