Hi Lou, Here's the legal age requirements that may have been in effect in 1840's NC - I'm not sure. If so, yes he could act as executor at age 18 - even as young as 14. Francie "The Source" states for Colonial & Post Revolutionary America: *Based in part on Judge Tapping Reeve, "The Law of Baron & Femme of Parent & Child, Guardian & Ward, Master & Servant and of the Powers of the Courts of Chancery, with an Essay on the Terms Heir, Heirs, Heirs of the Body, 3rd ed. (1862) For males - age 14; for females - age 12 (The age of discretion) to do the following: Witness documents Testify in court Choose guardian Sign contracts (May be required to confirm contract after arriving at majority) Act as Executor Bequeath personal property by will (Exception is VA, Ct, MA, NY - must be 18 for males) Marry (Parental consent required in most states until age 21) Legal Age for males was 16 to: Be taxed Muster into Militia Procession land Take possession of land holdings Legal age for males was 21 to: Release of guardian (females at age 18) Own land Devise land by will Plea or sue in court Be naturalized Fill public office Serve on jury Vote (Linked to 21 as age of land ownership, a prerequisite to voting in colonies)