This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: LenMoore Surnames: Moore Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.northcarolina.counties.wilkes/7251.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: I am willing to treade information if you are so inclined. Here is a sample: The first time Joseph Ray appears in the county is 1825 when he buys land from John Turnbull. (Book L, Page 168) There are various acquisitions of land in the following years. There was a will probated for Joseph Ray May 1856 as found in Book 5 Page 153 located in the Clerk of Court Office, Wilkes County, North Carolina. The Will of Joseph Ray I, Joseph Ray of Wilkes County, State of North Carolina being sick and weak in body but sound in mind and wishing to dispose of my property real and personal do make my last will and testament as follows unknown word. First I give and bequeath unto my wife Elizabeth Ray all my land unknown word household, and kitchen furniture and all my stock of cattle, hogs, sheep, one horse for the support of herself and family and at her death all the property in her possession to be sold and equally divided among the following named children unknown word James Ray Rachel Moore Sally Combs Nancy Phenoix Daniel Ray Jeremiah Ray Susannah B.M. Ray Joseph J Ray Mary C Ray Margaret C Ray Delela C Ray Margaret C Ray all my lawful heirs also I want my son John Brook to have an equal part with the above named unknown word. Second I want my wife to sell my colt and collect all debts owing to me and pay what I am owing and the balance of money to apply to her support rasing his children. I appoint my wife Elizabeth Ray my executor to execute this my last will and testament. Joseph Ray (X) Signed and acknowledged in the presence of this March 19th, 1856 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.