I recently discovered that Edward Hood was my 6th great-grandfather. I don’t know all that much about him yet. I do know that he was born before 1740, died about 1811 in Wayne County, NC, and owned several hundred acres along Black Creek, just south of the present-day city of Wilson, NC.
One of Edward Hood’s deeds is interesting. On 15 April 1802, he gave an acre of land on Black Creek to the “Baptist professors” so they could build a meeting house. By this, he did not mean academic professors, he meant those who profess the Baptist faith. Presumably, this meant that Edward himself was a Baptist. (The tract described as being “on the east side of the road” could well be the site of the current Lower Black Creek Church, located along Black Creek and US 117 in Wilson County, NC.)
Edward’s will only mentions one enslaved man, Isaac, however, he probably held others. As he was already quite old by the time he made the will, he may have deeded other enslaved people over to his children in the years prior to this will. Unfortunately, “negro deeds” are not easily located for Wayne County, NC, so I do not have any other details. Isaac went to Edward’s grandson John Dickerson, my 4th great grandfather, after Patience Hood’s death.
22 Jul 1807
In the name of God Amen. I Edward Hood of County of Wayne And State of no. Carolina being in Perfect mind and memory do make And ordain this my Last will and Testament as follows:
I Give to my beloved wife Peacience (Patience) Hood two Beds & furniture, three Cows And Calves, one mare, ten head of hogs, and all the Kitchen furniture that she brought here with her, and bridle and saddle.
I Lend to my wife The plantation where on I now live Deuring her life or widow hood, also one negro named Isaac and one Still.
I give to my Daughter Anne Dickinson one Bed and furniture & five pounds.
I Give to my grand son Ythell Dickinson all my Land lying on the south side of Juniper Swamp.
I Give to my grand son Isaac Dickinson all my Land lying on the north side of Juniper Swamp and also I giv the said Isaac one mare, bridle and saddle, one Bed and furniture.
I Give to my Grand son John Dickinson all my Land Lying on the west side of the Rode, one negro named Isaac and one Still, after my wife’s death or Widow hood.
I Give to Harris Dickinson the son of my Grand daughter Elizabeth Dickinson all my land lying on the east side of the Rode.
I Give to my Grand Daughter Sarah Dickinson one Bed and furniture.
All the Remainder part of my Estate to be Sold and my debts paid, the Remainder to be Equally Divided between Elizabeth Dickinson, Sarah Dickinson
And I do Constitute and appoint Isom Evans and John Barnes Execrs of this my last Will and testament, in witness Where of I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 22 day of July 1807.
Edward Hood
Witnesses
Joel Evins
Jacob Evans
Jordon Howell(Proved Wayne Co., NC Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions, Feb. Court 1811).
From North Carolina Wills and Estates at Ancestry.com.
A Long Way to Tennessee 