Hello follow researchers, I was doing some research on another family line this morning and came across a mention of Sarah Pate in a will. I thought that it might be of interest ....the gentleman that died was named Frances Beckwith and he died abt 1822 in Marion Co., SC....this information was taken from.... http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/r/i/d/Brian-P-Ridgell/GENE261-0001.html I am hoping that perhaps this will help us identify a maiden name for one of the Pate wives.... Notes for FRANCES BECKWITH: Last Will and Testament of Henry BECKWITH IV Probate Record 1803-1845 Marion Co., SC, pp 141-142, 1822, LW&T of Henry Beckwith Henry Beckwith of the same State and District having been taken dangerously ill and not having a favorable opportunity to commist his will in writing did call in John Hamilton, Martha Hamilton, and Thomas Harlee as witnesses to his nuncupative will which was devised in the following manner. First to his belovd wife Mourning Beckwith, he gave and bequeathed on feather bed and furniture and four cows and calves to be chosen by herself out of his stock. One young sorrell mare and to live on the plantation as long as she chose and to be supported out of his property next year. He also loaned to his said wife Mourning, during her natural life, one Negro woman Dinah and at her death he gave the said Dinah to his daughter Martha Jane. Secondly to his beloved son Hansel Beckwith, he gave and bequeathed a Negro child wich his Negro woman Bede is now pregnant with if it hsould live to him and his heirs and apagres forever. Thirdly to his daughter Francis Ridgell, one Negro woman named Bede but not her child which she is pregnant with which is previously disposed of to son Hansel Beckwith. To his son Amos Beckwith he gave and bequeathed one Negro man named Ned, one Negro girl named Grace and one hundred dollars. He further bequeathed that all his debts which are owing to him should be collected and all his just debts should be paid and the remaining part of his personal and perishable property should be sold and the monies arising therefrom and all the monies arising from my Estate after paying his just debts to be equally divided (except one hundred dollars which he before bequeathed to Amos Beckwith) between his three children Hansel, Sarah Pate and Rhoda Henderson. He further gave and bequeathed after the death of his wife Mourning to be equalle divided between his two children Amos Beckwith and Martha Jane Beckwith all his lands whereon he then lived at the time of his death. Lastly he constituted David S. Harllee and John Hamilton executors of his last Will and Testament. The above Nuncupative will was made and declared the 13th of February, one thousand eight hundred and twenty two (1822) in the forty seventh year of the American Independance in presence of us who have hereunto set our hands as witnesses to the same this 16th day of February 1822. Oaths etc. need to be added. (Will Book #7 Page 141 Marion County South Carolina) I know that the name Ridgill is associated with Sumter Co, SC and wondered if the Sarah Pate mentioned is the Sarah from this area????? Any information would be greatly appreciated.... Also there is mention of the following Pates on this site... Richmond Co. North Carolina Estate Records 1772-1933 Darby Sweaney,1821 final settlement was made and the recipiants were Thomas Pate, Sam'l Pate, Jacob Mangum, ? Ridgie? (Ridgell) John Matteson. Sarah Graves.and Mary Bit?? (illegible)... and executors were James Cole and Stephen Pate and everything was settled by Dec. of 1825. Will of Darby Sweeny Sr. 1. To grandson Siras Swinney 2. To grandson Elisha Pate 3.To daughter Hannah Cole 4.To my granddaughter Easter Pate the wife of Thomas Pate 5. To my negro woman Cate her freedom during her natural life, and if Cate should become helpless, those legatees who are in possession of her children and grandchildren shall maintain her.. All his stock of cattle ,horses,hogs,and sheep, plantation tools household and kitchen furniture to be to be sold and the money to be equally divided between my Samuel Pate ,Jacob Mangrum, Mary Betha as he also says Elizabeth Matheson, Sarah Graves and MARTHA RIDGELL.. Signed the 18th day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty.. Witnessed by Samuel Goodwin, Nathaniel Gibson, and Alfred Bennett I thought this was interesting also... Cindy McClay