This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: southard Surnames: CARROLL, CARRELL, CARROL, HERRING Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.carroll/7169/mb.ashx Message Board Post: In the last few days I have become aware of a relationship I didn't know existed between my gggg-grandfather, Dempsey CARROL or CARRELL, Sr. and Abraham HERRING. The following items were from the Sampson County, NC court records, but since this was so soon after Sampson was formed from Duplin County, I feel it might affect both counties. <<< From: "Sampson County Will Abstracts 1784-1900" by Elizabeth E. Ross Herring, Abraham prob. 10 Feb. 1791 * Sampson Co. Court Minutes - 10 May 1791, Martha Herring widow of Abraham Herring dissents from the Will of her husband. 10 Aug. 1791 Admr, was granted to John Boyt with the Will annexed, bond L1200. (add. into NC Arch. file #87.508.26 - Inv. & sale documents in file) No will found in Sampson Records. >From Court Records: 15 FEBRUARY 1791, Tuesday HERRING WILL: The last will and testament of Abraham Herring was proved and ordered registered. 13 FEBRUARY 1793, Wednesday CARETAKER of CHILD: Ordered that Dempsey Carrell and his wife Martha keep in their possession a Negro woman called Jude for the full maintenance of her son, Abraham Herring. 13 AUGUST 1794, Wednesday ORPHAN'S LAND: Ordered that Dempsey Carroll have leave to cultivate the cleared land belonging to the orphan of Abraham Herring, deceased, that he keep the same in good repair, and not make use of the timber thereon except for fencing. Also that he pay all taxes which may be assessed. 14 FEBRUARY 1797, Tuesday HERRING GUARDIAN: Ordered that Dempsey Carroll be allowed 36 pounds and 4 shillings for his services as guardian to a minor child of Abraham Herring, deceased, up to this term of court. 12 NOVEMBER 1798 HERRING GUARDIAN: Dempsey Carroll exhibited to this court an account, praying as guardian to a minor child of Abraham Herring, deceased, that he be allowed payment for services done said child. Ordered therefore he be allowed 15 pounds from the estate. 13 MAY 1801, Wednesday Ordered that Stephen King, Hardy Holmes and Benjamin Carr be a committee to settle the estate of Abraham Herring, an orphan, with the guardian Dempsey Carroll, and deliver the orphan to the present guardian James Oates.<<<<<< I would like to learn: - - Why was Dempsey Carrell chosen to be guardian of young Abraham Herring? Was there a family relationship between the two families, since that was sometimes the case? Was Martha Carrell perhaps a sister of the deceased Abraham Herring? - - Could a slave own land? - - Did Abraham Herring set Jude and young Abraham free before he died? - - Whatever became of Abraham Herring, Jr. and his mother? These court items are all I know at the present time. My main interest is in the genealogy and life of Dempsey and Martha Carrell, but I have an intellectual curiosity about the lives of those around them. Thanks for any added information. Lura CARROLL Southard Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.